Vashon-Maury Island is located in the middle of southern Puget Sound, midway between Seattle and Tacoma, within the boundaries of King County. The island is approximately 13 miles long by 8 miles at the widest point.

In 1792, during exploratory missions on Puget Sound, Captain George Vancouver , of the British navy, named Vashon Island after his friend Captain James Vashon. When Lt. Charles Wilkes surveyed the Sound in 1841, he named Maury Island after William A. Maury, a member of his crew.

In 1852, Seattle pioneers cut down trees on the island and placed the logs aboard the ship Leonesa for export to San Francisco. Once most of the trees had been removed, farming became the main industry. Berries grew well, especially strawberries. There is strawberry festival in July of each year to celebrate.

Today, Vashon-Maury island has a population of around 11,000 residents. The town area has a main street with quaint shops, galleries and restaurants. You can find bed and breakfasts, cottages and other hideaways throughout the island. From various locations around the island there are breathtaking views of the Puget sound, and neighboring islands and peninsulas. You can walk on the beaches and explore a multitude of marine life and habitats.

The island is also home to many artists. There are studio artists working in a variety of mediums such as, painting, jewelry, pottery, fiber, photography, and glass. There are performing artists working in theater, and music. There are literary artists, writers, and poets.  One notable writer of the past who lived and worked here is Betty MacDonald who wrote the international best seller, The Egg and I

Sources:  HistoryLink.org from Essay 3909