Whatcom County, Washington

Aftermath Clubhouse Austin Pass Warming Hut Axtell, Dr. William H. and Frances C., House B. P. O. E. Building Bacon, George H., House Barlow Building Beaver Pass Shelter Bellingham City Hall Bellingham Herald Building Bellingham National Bank Building Berthusen Barn and Privy Black, Alfred L., House Boundary Marker No. 1 Broadway Park Historic District Cissna Cottages Historic District Copper Mountain Fire Lookout Daylight Building Deer Lick Cabin Desolation Peak Lookout Devil's Corner Cliff Walk Diablo Hydroelectric Power Plant Donovan, J. J., House Downtown Bellingham Historic District Eldridge Avenue Historic District Eldridge Homesite and Mansion Fairhaven Historic District Fairhaven Library Fish and Game-Hozomeen Cabin Flatiron Building Gamwell House Glacier Ranger Station Gorge Hydroelectric Power Plants Great Northern Passenger Station Hotel Laube Hovander Homestead Immanuel School of Industries-Department of Public Welfare International Boundary US-Canada Koma Kulshan Ranger Station Larrabee House Leopold Hotel Lynden Department Store Middle Fork Nooksack River Bridge Montague and McHugh Building Morse Hardware Company Building Morse, Robert I., House Mount Baker Theatre MV PLOVER (ferry) Nooksack Falls Hydroelectric Power Plant Oakland Block Old Main, Western Washington State College Orchard Terrace Apartments Park Butte Lookout Peace Arch Perry Creek Shelter Pickett House Richards, T.G., and Company Store Roeder, Victor A., House Roth, Lottie, Block Sanitary Meat Market Sehome Hill Historic District Skagit River and Newhalem Creek Hydroelectric Projects Skagit River and Newhalem Creek Hydroelectric Projects (Boundary Increase) Sourdough Mountain Lookout South Hill Historic District U.S. Post Office and Courthouse US Post Office-Lyden Main Wardner, James F., House Washington Grocery Company Warehouse Whatcom Museum of History and Art Winchester Mountain Lookout York Historic District Young Women's Christian Association

Whatcom County, located in the state of Washington, has a rich and diverse history spanning thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Lummi, Nooksack, and Semiahmoo tribes. They thrived off the abundant natural resources, such as fish and wildlife, and had a deep connection to the land.

In the 19th century, explorers and traders, such as Captain George Vancouver and Joseph Whidbey, arrived in the area and began to establish trading relationships with the indigenous peoples. The arrival of European settlers in the mid-1800s brought significant changes to the region. In 1852, the first permanent settlement, known as Whatcom, was established. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived and established farms, sawmills, and businesses.

The discovery of gold in the Fraser River in neighboring British Columbia in 1858 led to a surge in population as many hopeful miners passed through Whatcom County on their way to the goldfields. This resulted in the rapid growth of towns like Bellingham and Ferndale as supply centers for the miners. However, the gold rush had a disruptive impact on the indigenous populations and led to conflicts and displacement.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Whatcom County became an important center for logging and the timber industry. The opening of rail lines and the establishment of sawmills played a crucial role in the economic development of the region. Today, Whatcom County continues to be a thriving area, with a diverse economy, stunning natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage that celebrates its indigenous roots and pioneer history.
Brief timeline of the history of Whatcom County, Washington:

  • 1852 - The area is first explored by Europeans.
  • 1853 - The settlement of Whatcom is established.
  • 1858 - Whatcom County is created by the Washington Territorial Legislature.
  • 1871 - The establishment of Bellingham, a city within Whatcom County.
  • 1883 - The Great Northern Railway reaches Whatcom County, contributing to its growth.
  • 1903 - Western Washington University is founded in Bellingham.
  • 1960s - The decline of the timber industry leads to economic diversification in the county.
  • 2003 - The creation of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Whatcom County, Washington.