Dead Man’s Island, in Tacoma’s Commencement Bay, has a dark and fascinating history that many have forgotten. It was once a simple sandbar just offshore. But over time, it became a burial site for those who fell through the cracks of society—sailors lost at sea, victims of epidemics, and criminals without families. The island became a symbol of tragedy, death, and mystery. Today, ghost stories and urban legends about the island still haunt Tacoma’s waterfront.

Early Usage and the Origin of Its Name

Dead Man’s Island got its grim name in the late 19th century, when it became a burial ground for Tacoma’s outcasts. In the early days of Tacoma, the island was chosen for burials out of necessity. Tacoma was a growing frontier town, and there weren’t many places to bury people, especially those who had no family or money. The island was isolated and convenient, making it an easy choice for burying criminals, people without families, and those who died anonymously. It was far enough from town that burials could happen quietly, without causing public concern. The graves were unmarked, and as time went on, the identities of those buried there were forgotten. The island’s grim role became a whispered rumor, passed down through generations but rarely verified.

Maritime Tragedies

Commencement Bay has always been important for shipping, with boats carrying goods along the West Coast. But in the late 19th century, several maritime tragedies added to Dead Man’s Island’s haunted reputation. One of these tragedies involved the mistaken association with the SS Islander, which actually sank near Juneau, Alaska. The confusion likely arose from the ship’s connection to maritime activity in the Pacific Northwest, but it was not directly linked to Dead Man’s Island. According to legend, forty bodies were buried quickly on the island, and their families were never able to recover them.

Despite the mistaken association, rumors still spread that restless spirits lingered near the shores of Dead Man’s Island, possibly tied to other lesser-known maritime incidents in the area.

In the 1920s, during Prohibition, Tacoma was also a hub for liquor smuggling. Smugglers brought liquor from Canada, using the cover of night to avoid law enforcement. One smuggling ship was caught near Dead Man’s Island, and during the chase, it ran aground. Several crew members died, either from drowning or the cold, as they tried to escape. Their bodies were also buried on the island, adding yet another tragic layer to its haunted history.

Plague Burials and Isolation

Dead Man’s Island also became a burial ground during the smallpox epidemic of the 1880s. The epidemic was one of the worst health crises to hit Tacoma. Many people died from the highly contagious disease. The city struggled to deal with the outbreak, and there weren’t many places to safely bury the bodies. Dead Man’s Island, being remote, was chosen for these burials. The bodies were often buried quickly, at night, with no ceremonies. This created an atmosphere of fear and secrecy. The people who died during the epidemic were buried in isolation, which added to the island’s haunted reputation. Locals believed that the spirits of those who died in fear and loneliness were left restless.

20th Century Industrial Transformation

As Tacoma grew, its industrial needs grew too. In the early 20th century, Dead Man’s Island became part of the Port of Tacoma’s expansion. The island was dredged, and its sand and gravel were used for construction. This erased the island’s physical presence. During the dredging, workers reported finding human remains. These discoveries were often dismissed or covered up to avoid delays. This added to the island’s mystery, and stories of bones washing up on shore began to spread.

Disturbing the graves may have unsettled the spirits, leading to more ghost stories. Dockworkers began to report strange things—apparitions, eerie noises at night, and even phantom rowboats drifting in the bay. The island’s transformation from a burial ground to an industrial site shows how easily history can be paved over but never truly forgotten.

Ghostly Legacy

Though Dead Man’s Island is no longer visible, its legacy lives on through the ghost stories that still haunt Tacoma’s waterfront. Mariners, dockworkers, and locals have reported seeing ghostly figures standing at the water’s edge, especially on foggy nights. People say they have seen phantom rowboats drifting with no one aboard. Strange cries and splashing sounds have also been heard across the water. Many believe these restless spirits are the sailors, plague victims, and smugglers who died near the island and never found peace.

One well-known story involves a ghostly woman in old-fashioned clothing who appears along the shoreline. She is often seen just before dawn, walking as if searching for something. Some believe she is the spirit of a woman who lost her husband when the SS Islander sank. Witnesses say she vanishes if approached, leaving only the sound of distant, mournful sobbing.

Another eerie tale is that of the “Lantern Man”—a figure seen carrying a dim, flickering lantern near where the island once stood. Dockworkers have described seeing the light moving slowly along the waterfront, only to have it disappear suddenly. Those who have tried to follow the light report feeling an overwhelming sense of dread, as if they are being warned to stay away.

There are also stories of ghostly rowboats that appear out of the mist, drifting silently across the bay. Fishermen have claimed to see these boats, with figures hunched over as if rowing, though no oars make a sound. When approached, the boats simply vanish into thin air, leaving witnesses shaken and confused.

A particularly chilling account comes from a night watchman who worked at the docks in the 1960s. He reported seeing a group of shadowy figures standing near the water late at night. The figures appeared to be dressed in old, tattered clothing and seemed to be staring out at the bay. When the watchman called out to them, they turned and slowly faded away, leaving behind a cold chill in the air. He refused to work the night shift after that experience.

These ghost stories have become part of Tacoma’s cultural memory. They remind us of the city’s darker history—one filled with hardship, loss, and forgotten people. Dead Man’s Island may be gone from the maps, but its ghostly legacy still lingers, reminding us of the souls who once called it their final resting place.

Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by Jacob Rice