All About Langley, WA (Whidbey Island)
- by Jodie Vinson
Langley rests on the waters of Saratoga Passage perched on the bluffs of South Whidbey Island, a forty minute drive and a short ferry ride north of Seattle. It is often referred to as "Langley by the sea," emphasizing a topographical location that can not be divorced from its identity as a seaside village. Langley's beginnings came from unexpected sources. A twenty-five year old was responsible for the city's founding in 1890 when he purchased land on the site where the town would soon flourish. The bunkhouse of Joseph Anthes, who left his homeland of Germany at age 14, now houses the town's historical museum. In the early 1900's Langley was governed by the nation's first female council. It also led the logging and farming industries on Whidbey, which boomed during the Alaskan gold rush. The 1960's brought many newcomers to the island, along with a cultural stimulus that eventually merged with the established community to produce the enriching artistic life visitors appreciate today. The town continues to attract guests with its unique character as a quiet seaside village abounding in arts and rich in recreation.
Community Links:
Langley Chamber of Commerce
City of Langley
Langley Community Forum
South Whidbey Record Community Newspaper
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
