Birds-Eye View Map of Whatcom

Birds-Eye View Map of Whatcom

1889

1889

During the later nineteenth century it became the fashion throughout North America to commission "bird's eye view" maps as a means of encouraging interest in the community and of boosting investment. Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane were each depicted in this way a number of times during the 1880s and 1890s. Parts of the Bellingham Bay area were treated in at least three bird's eye views, all of which are reproduced in this volume. In this view of Whatcom the dominant feature is the Colony Wharf. The central business district is shown around the intersection of 13th (West Holly) and C Streets. Along the water's edge many of the buildings are on pilings, as a few still are to this day. Broadway shows up well, and near the intersection of Broadway and 13th is the original St. Paul's Episcopal Church, which is now in use as the church hall. Other churches can be seen in the map, including the First Baptist Church, which like St. Paul's celebrates its centennial as a congregation this year (1983). The old courthouse is visible on E Street, and also Elizabeth Park just north of Broadway. Many houses that are still standing can be readily identified.

Bus883

This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534

cpnws@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Howard E. Buswell Papers and Photographs, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University.

Digital object made available by the Center for Pacific Northwest Studies, Western Libraries Archives & Special Collections, Western Washington University.

http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv47545/

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