Ferry House, Whidbey Island

One of the oldest residential buildings in Washington, the Ferry House was built in 1860 by Winfield Scott Ebey as an inn to provide financial stability for his brother’s children, who were orphaned when Isacc Neff Ebey was brutally murdered and beheaded by Canadian natives. Once completed and opened for business, the building was named The Ebey Inn. The prime location across Admiralty Inlet from Port Townsend meant a steady flow of travelers and income for the three Ebey children. With no other nearby accommodations, the Inn — which housed a post office, a tavern, and rooms for overnight guests — quickly became an important place for sailors and other travelers to rest before continuing their journeys to Coupeville, Whidbey Island, La Conner, Washington, and points further north. Travelers and locals could also purchase merchandise and groceries at the Inn, which served ferry traffic to and from Port Townsend until a new ferry dock was constructed near Fort Casey at the turn of the 20th century. The house stayed in the Ebey family for 57 years, until Isaac Ebey’s grandson sold the old Inn in 1917. ()