Keepers of the Patos Light

12/24/2023

11/16/2023

It was Spanish explorer Francisco Eliza who named the island Patos in 1791. The name means "ducks" or "seabirds" in Spanish.

10/04/2023

Meet the People of Patos
Augustine Fresnel (fray-NEL)
I was born in 1788 and grew up in France. I loved to experiment with light. I made my own glass and produced a special lens that combined both refraction and refraction. My brother Leonor made my dreams into reality by making lenses for lighthouse lamps that projected light 40 miles away!

09/28/2023

In Memories of the Passing of
Miguel Villareal served as KOPL’s Board Secretary. He passed away in July, 2022, leaving a huge hole in our hearts.
William "Patos Bill" LaVergne who was stationed on Patos Island in 1952-53 during the Korean War and lived in the original keeper's quarters. Bill also served as Vice President and Chairman of the flagpole committee. Patos Bill passed away peacefully on November 27, 2022. We hope to keep his passion for the Flag pole and get one up.

08/05/2023

Most rooms inside the Patos Island Lighthouse contain interpretive signs about the history of the lighthouse.
But one room contains 2 wooden chairs and a window overlooking Alden Point.
It is a quiet, uncluttered place in which to honor the Coast Salish people who watched over these waters before the lighthouse was built. Who watch over them today. Who will continue to watch over them.

08/05/2023

KOPL, along with the San Juan Islands National Monument, affirms this land acknowledgment:

"We acknowledge we work, play, and reside on the ancestral lands and waters of the Coast Salish people who are deeply connected to the lands of the San Juan Island National Monument and have called this place home since time immemorial. We honor inherent, aboriginal, and treaty rights that have been passed down from generation to generation."

08/04/2023

A song from the annual lighthouse birthday party 2 years ago. KOPL members and guests will celebrate on island again this Sunday.

08/01/2023

We wish the Patos Lighthouse a very happy birthday this Sunday. (Photo: Catch Patton)

07/28/2023

Yesterday KOPL volunteers cut back invasive blackberries so that the native camas fields can flourish. These work parties have been supervised by Sandy Evans for many, many years. What a generous gift!