Bellingham’s excitement wasn’t always quite so subdued.

Saloon owners and sex workers built much of the city core in the places we now call Downtown and Fairhaven. It’s a crazy story, and you can hear it on a guided walking tour courtesy of the Bureau of Historical Investigation.

A literal red light district, with red curtains and streetlamps required by law, filled much of downtown until prostitution was outlawed in the early 1900’s and Bellingham. Still many of the remnants of this bawdy past are still visible. Fairhaven, though quaint and quiet today, had some rough edges in its early days too. One section with a particularly poor reputation was called Devil’s Row.

Both tours run regularly throughout July and August (Fairhaven on Friday evenings, Downtown on Saturday evenings) and tickets are available with or without drinks. Private tours available also.

Set aside an evening this summer to learn more about Bellingham’s history.

January 3, 2017

Jeff Jewell

December 30, 2016

Matt Mullett

December 26, 2016

Todd Elsworth

December 23, 2016

Corrinne Sande

December 21, 2016

Downtown Improvement Gardens

December 17, 2016

San Juan Airlines

December 15, 2016

Holiday Classic

December 9, 2016

Baker Beacon Rally