About Bellingham

The city of Bellingham has grown since its early beginnings and now has a population of 48,000 people. At the present time it is the seventh largest city in Washington state. Bellingham is located in Whatcom County and is the home of the county government.

People of many ethnic backgrounds live in Bellingham. The largest population group is of European heritage, followed by Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders and African Americans.

The lumber industry is still important in the Bellingham area. The Puget Sound Pulp and Timber Company is one of the largest wood pulp manufacturers in the United States. It turns out tons of wood pulp daily for use in paper and paper products such as napkins and tissue.

The countryside around Bellingham has many dairy and poultry farms. Whatcom County has become a leading dairy and poultry area for the state. The lush pastures supply grass for ten months of the year for the dairy herds. Two dairy plants produce butter, cheese, and powdered milk used locally and shipped far and wide. There are hundreds of poultry farms, some with a few hundred chicks and others with more than ten thousand chicks. The area ranks first in egg production in the state.

Agriculture is important today in the Bellingham area. The mild climate makes it an ideal place to grow fruits and berries. Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries thrive in the rich soil. Pears, apples, plums, cherries and filbert nuts do well there. Vegetables such as potatoes and string beans are also grown in this region.

Bellingham has become a diverse city today. Western Washington University admits ten thousand college students each year. The deep water port of Bellingham Bay is visited by ocean-going ships from Asia and Alaska. Fish processing and boat building take place near the bay. Tourists visit the area due to its natural beauty.

“provided by Whatcom Museum”