- In his author's note, Scott O'Dell writes about the history of the Island of the Blue Dolphins, an island off the coast of Southern California settled by Native Americans in 2000 B.C.
- The Spanish came to the island in 1602, when Sebastian Vizcaino was looking for a place to hide his treasure galleons from the Philippines.
- O'Dell tells us that his "girl Robinson Crusoe" actually lived on the island from 1835 until 1853 (Author's Note.4). She was known as "The Lost Woman of San Nicolas."
- The girl really did jump into the sea and was found eighteen years later, living in a house with a dog. Not much else could be learned from her since no one spoke her language.
- She's buried on a hill near the Santa Barbara Mission.
- The island is now a naval base. Scientists predict it will one day be swept back into the sea.