Fidalgo Island Packing Company and Alaska Packing Company, pictured here, built canneries in 1894 and 1895, respectively, at Ship Harbor, now the site of the Washington State Ferries terminal.
After the boom and bust of the early 1890s, the salmon canning industry offered Anacortes a much-needed boost to the town's economy and spirit. This important industry soon made Anacortes a "Salmon Canning Capital" of the world, providing fishing, canning and boat-building jobs into the mid-20th century.
This is the fifth in a series based on a new set of Anacortes Heritage signs placed in several locations in Anacortes. The purpose of these signs is to increase awareness of and appreciation for the unique heritage of our community and the need to preserve it. Partners in the project are: Anacortes Historic Preservation Board, Anacortes Museum & Maritime Center, Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department.