Revisiting the Past HISTORIC FAIRHAVEN
The History of Fairhaven Founded by Dirty Dan
Founded in 1883, by Daniel J. Harris, the “Dirty Dan” of local lore and legend. He named this area Fair Haven from the native “see-see-lich-em”, meaning “safe port” or “quiet place”. Since the 1890s Fairhaven has experienced booms and busts. The 21st century has ushered Historic Fairhaven into its most dramatic building boom since the 1800s. The hundred year old buildings have been joined by modern structures, housing condos, offices, artist studios, shops, hotels and restaurants. The diversity and individuality that forged the area 130 years ago lives on.
1800's
1853
1853
The Railroad
Settled in 1853 Fairhaven was one of four early towns that consolidated in 1904 to create the City of Bellingham. In the late 19th century Fairhaven experienced a series of boom and busts, in part due to anticipation by real estate investors who were led to believe that the town would become the terminus of the Great Northern Railroad.
1890s
1890s
A Thriving City
By 1890, Fairhaven was a thriving city. The boom busted, however, when Seattle was chosen as the terminus and the national Panic of 1893 and subsequent changes to liquor laws during Prohibition caused Fairhaven’s vitality to wane.
1900's-10's
Early 1900s
Early 1900s
Turn of the Century
During the 20th century Fairhaven’s deep-water frontage proved ideal for manufacturing because of its access to coal and timber. Its lumber and shingle mills and large salmon cannery were among the area’s prime industries.
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1920's
Early 1900s
Early 1900s
Turn of the Century
During the 20th century Fairhaven’s deep-water frontage proved ideal for manufacturing because of its access to coal and timber. Its lumber and shingle mills and large salmon cannery were among the area’s prime industries.
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
Today
Today
Our Community
What remains today of Fairhaven’s once-thriving commercial center is a relatively small core, but our community derives a strong sense of identity from our history.
1930's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
1940's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1950's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1960's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1960's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
1970's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
1980's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
1990's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
2000's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
2010's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
2020's
WWII
WWII
A shift to Bellingham
After WWII Fairhaven’s population declined when business and industry shifted to downtown Bellingham.
1970s
1970s
A National Hisotrical District
In the early 1970s Fairhaven experienced a renaissance and 1977 was designated as a National Historic District. The village includes 17 historic buildings built between 1888 and 1929.
