History of San Juan Islands in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 26, 2026

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago located in the Pacific Northwest, nestled between Washington State and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. These islands are part of Washington state and constitute the core of San Juan County. Known for their scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, the San Juan Islands are a popular tourist destination offering opportunities for whale watching, kayaking, and exploring charming towns.

1911: Sea Otter Federal Protection

In 1911, the sea otter received federal protection; however, Washington's sea otter population had already been hunted to extinction.

1969: Sea Otters Re-introduced to Washington Coast

In the summer of 1969, fifty-nine sea otters were re-introduced to the Washington coast from Amchitka Island, Alaska.

1970: Sea Otters Re-introduced to Washington Coast

In the summer of 1970, fifty-nine sea otters were re-introduced to the Washington coast from Amchitka Island, Alaska, and these have expanded by 8% per year, mainly along the outer west and northwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula.

October 1996: Sea Otter Observed near Cattle Point

In October 1996, a single sea otter was observed near Cattle Point on San Juan Island.

2009: Salish Sea Recognized by United States

In 2009, the United States recognized the bodies of water surrounding the San Juan Islands, including Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca, collectively as the Salish Sea.

2010: Salish Sea Recognized by Canada

In 2010, Canada recognized the bodies of water surrounding the San Juan Islands, including Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia and Juan de Fuca, collectively as the Salish Sea.

2011: Beaver Appearance at Killebrew Lake

In spring 2011, a pair of beaver appeared at Killebrew Lake on Orcas Island but were killed to prevent flooding of a phone company switch box under Dolphin Bay Road.

2016: Population Estimates

2016 populations estimates for inhabited islands bounded by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Haro Strait, Rosario Strait, Boundary Pass, and the Strait of Georgia.

2020: Education Attainment

From 2016 to 2020, 51.7 percent of the resident population aged 25 and up in San Juan County have earned a bachelor’s degree or attained a higher level of formal education.