Anderson Island (Washington)

The island was part of the territory of the Steilacoom people, a Coast Salish tribe.

[5] The island was named in 1841 by Charles Wilkes of the United States Exploring Expedition.

Given a warm reception at Fort Nisqually by Mr. Anderson and Captain McNeill, and assistance to aid his operations, Wilkes repaid their kindness by naming the two nearby islands after these two men.

The primary industry was the sale of wood to the wood-burning steamers that came into Amsterdam Bay.

The ferry runs many times per day, starting at 4:45 in the morning from Steilacoom, Washington, and departing Anderson Island at 10:50 pm.

[8] In 2020, Anderson Island Citizen Advisory Board worked with Pierce County to extend the hours to accommodate the ever increasing need for additional ferry service.

Prior to then, Sunday through Thursday service ended at 8:40 p.m. During peak times such as summer and holidays, both ferries run.

Examples of its past actions include banning of boats with internal combustion engines from Lake Josephine, road repair and speed recommendations, as well as other matters common to governing Anderson Island.