Bellingham History

It all began a long long time ago in 1852, with two Californians in search of a site for a lumber mill.

Fast forward 160 plus years and you have what is currently now Bellingham which is a city with some interesting history.

Historical Landmarks

  • Gamwell House: It was built in 1892. It is one of the most distinguished Late Victorian-era homes in the area of Bellingham, Washington.
  • Flatiron Building: Built-in 1908 it was the first “skyscraper” in Bellingham.
  • B. P. O. E. Building:In 1912 it was originally built for the Bellingham chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, otherwise known as the Elks Club.
  • T.G. Richards and Company Store: This two-story brick building was built in 1858 it is the first and oldest brick building in the state of Washington.
  • Eldridge Castle: ​Edward Eldridge, originally from Scotland, came to Bellingham from San Francisco in 1853 along with another of the city’s founding fathers.
  • Lairmont Manor: Lairmont Manor, also known as the Larrabee House, is a 1914 Italian Renaissance style home.
  • Whatcom Museum:The Whatcom Museum was originally built in 1892 as the city hall for the former town of New Whatcom.
  • Wardner’s Castle: In 1890, with his profits, he began to construct his estate south of Sehome hill that became known as Wardner’s Castle.
  • Roeder Home:The son of Bellingham’s founder Captain Henry Roeder, Victor Roeder became one of Bellingham’s best-known citizens and businessmen. Beginning in 1903, Roeder meticulously supervised the work over the home’s five-year construction 

Resources for History of Bellingham

City of Bellingham: Historical interactive map

Downtown Bellingham Historic Tour: Take a photographic trip through time and see how Downtown Bellingham has changed! 

FairhavenHistory.com: The Fairhaven district in Bellingham, Washington occupies the area around Bellingham Bay that was formerly one of four pioneer settlements surrounding the bay. 

Whatcom County Historical Society: The mission and purpose of this (WCHS) Society is to bring together people interested in history, especially in the history of Whatcom County, Washington.

Bellingham Public Library: Discover your community’s past with local history materials, self-guided tours, museums, and archives.

Bellinghistory with the Good Time Girls : Guided historical walking tour of Bellingham Wa

The Ham: An eclectic history of Bellingham Wa

Scroll to Top