The name Chautauqua changed to Ellisport on February 27, 1912. The town is located on the east shore of Vashon Island at the north end of Tramp Harbor. Vashon Island is in Puget Sound between Seattle and Tacoma.
Chautauqua was the site of the first "Chautauqua," a summertime presentation of lectures, discussions, and cultural activities lasting several days to a week in a resort atmosphere. Puget Sound's first Chautauqua took place on Vashon Island in August 1885.