1973 Map of Blakely Island

About this map

Blakely Island and Decatur Island anchor this survey of the central San Juan archipelago, documenting the maritime connectivity of the early 1970s. The interior of Blakely is defined by the high point of Blakely Peak and the freshwater bodies of Horseshoe Lake and Spencer Lake, while the coastline is marked by small settlements like Thatcher and the Landing Strip at the island's northern neck. The map illustrates a landscape of specialized land use, ranging from the rugged conservation areas of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge on Willow Island and Flower Island to the recreational campgrounds at Spencer Spit State Park. To the south, Decatur serves as the focal point for Decatur Island, which features its own Landing Strip and School, linked to the surrounding islands by a network of ferries and submarine cables through Thatcher Pass and Lopez Sound.