From the two National Historical Parks remembering the last war fought on American soil to the sites of traditional hunting and fishing camps of the Coast Salish people from thousands of years ago, San Juan Island has the most fascinating past.

Start by exploring the former fishing village of Friday Harbor and its many historic buildings. Don’t miss the Exaggeration Postcards, a new outdoor exhibit in Sunshine Alley, depicting this art form popular between 1900 and 1940. But there is more, so much more. Find the best spots to explore the isle’s turbulent past in this article History Lives Here on San Juan Island.