The community of Colby on Yukon Harbor was established in the community of Colby on Yukon Harbor in the 1880’s. This area, which includes Harper, is now referred to as South Colby and offers great views of Puget Sound, Seattle and Blake Island. 

In the early 1900’s the area had thriving logging, mining, and brick manufacturing industries. It was also a regular stop for the mosquito fleet, until the economic Depression, which forced mills to shut down and businesses to dry up. The area is now a quiet and low-key residential community known for its particularly popular and community oriented elementary school.