06/12/2026
As Washington State Ferries celebrates its 75th anniversary, it's worth remembering Bainbridge Island's special place in the system's history. In 1951, the State of Washington took over the former Black Ball Line ferry routes, creating Washington State Ferries. The Seattle–Bainbridge route was among the original crossings and remains one of the busiest in the system today.
For generations, the ferry has been more than transportation, it has been Bainbridge Island's connection to the region, supporting commerce, tourism, and daily life while helping shape the community we know today. Whether it's feeling the salt breeze on the open deck, watching gulls follow in the wake, or seeing the Seattle skyline emerge from the mist, the ferry ride itself has become a cherished part of the journey. For many, it's a place of reflection, anticipation, and wonder, a uniquely Pacific Northwest experience that feels just as magical today as it did 75 years ago.
Video and Photos courtesy of the De Steiguer Collection, Samuel W. Whitehead Collection, June Stalk Stotts Collection, Bainbridge Island Japanese American Community Collection, Bainbridge History Museum Photographic Collection, Bainbridge History Museum.
Washington State Ferries
