Subject: [Tweeters] Viti Rocks, I hope the last word
Date: Aug 29 16:23:47 2011
From: jbroadus at seanet.com - jbroadus at seanet.com


Viti Rocks. I found out something interesting, and logical, which explains the differences in different maps of
this area. It also could lead to a whole new thread on which county these rocks lie in.

This exercise provides a good lesson in primary vs. secondary sources, even very reliable secondary
sources. Also brings back to mind a neat little book by Mark Monmonier named "How to Lie with Maps."

Remember that I pointed out that state statutes in RCW 36.04 define the Skagit/Whatcom boundary as a
straight line, and that I looked at the original mapping of that line and it cuts off the south end of Lummi and
Eliza Islands and that Viti Rocks are clearly south of that line, in Skagit. I also noted that the 1995 USGS
quad maps showed the line the same way as the RCW. However, I also noted that several other maps put a
southerly curve to that line, and figured that it was only logical to swing the line to put all of Lummi in
Whatcom County.

All of this was from WEB research, and I think I and other Tweeters took it about as far as you can using
Google. So, with great trepidation, I tried using a different technology. I called, on the phone, a real person
at the Washington State Archives in Bellingham. Talked to a nice lady (Elanore Thompson, said her son is
a birder) and after a while got my point across that I wanted actual state archive documents, not just
another map.

Didn't take them too long.

Now, here's the deal about secondary sources. Even the RCW, (Revised Code of Washington) is a
secondary resource. It is pretty much always reliable. But, if the primary, original, session law is different,
then the original controls. I already knew that the RCW was a copy of the act of Nov. 28, 1883, when Skagit
County was carved out of Whatcom County. Her researchers found a copy of the original.

It says the same as the RCW, with the straight line, BUT it has this extra clause-- which did not get copied
into the RCW:

"Provided, That so much of Lummi and Eliza Islands as lie south of the dividing line between said townships
thirty-six and thirty-seven shall belong to Whatcom County."

Of course, that explains the maps that show a boundary curving south of Lummi. But now that leads us to
the next question:

The USGS map shows Viti Rocks as lying about 1500 yards southwest of Carter Point, the south tip of
Lummi. The "Proviso" in the original law does not say that the boundary actually curves out into the water;
only that Lummi is in Whatcom.

So, you could treat the next question as one of geology, or one of philosophy, or one of listing ethics, or just
one about trivia-- Are Viti Rocks part of Lummi Island???? Answer that, and I think you will have it. If they
are part of Lummi, they are in Whatcom, if not, they are in Skagit. So, perhaps Viti confusion will lead to a
whole new train of trivia-- or perhaps we are tired of it. Signing off.
Jerry Broadus
PLS 17660