While sailing along the Pacific coast in the 1800s, a whale and seal hunter named Charles Scammon reported seeing northern elephant seals from Baja California in Mexico to Point Reyes in California. (nps.gov)
Squatting fishermen and seal hunters occupied the island, including H. Bay Webster near Webster Point, until the federal government leased the island to J.G. Howland in July 1909 for a period of 5 years. (en.wikipedia.org)
Residents Heaman Bayfield Webster, a former island seal hunter, long - time Ventura resident and assistant postmaster, established residence on Middle Anacapa with his wife and two sons in 1907. (nps.gov)