Whatcom County Territorial Court House, Bellingham

The T.G. Richards and Company Store, widely recognized as the Whatcom County Territorial Courthouse, holds the distinction of being the first and oldest brick building in the state of Washington. Its historical significance is underscored by its inclusion on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, a testament to its enduring architectural and cultural value. Originally serving as a prominent mercantile establishment, the building played a pivotal role in the early economic and social development of the region.

In 2019, the building underwent a significant transition when it was sold to new owners who embarked on a comprehensive period restoration project aimed at preserving its rich heritage and architectural integrity. Completed in 2020, the restoration effort breathed new life into the historic structure, ensuring that its storied past would continue to be celebrated for generations to come. The meticulous restoration process aimed to honor the building's original design while incorporating modern amenities and facilities to accommodate contemporary needs.

Following its restoration, the Whatcom County Territorial Courthouse found a new purpose as the home of the Helen Loggie Museum of Art, a cultural institution dedicated to showcasing the works of acclaimed artist Helen Loggie and other regional artists. The museum, which opened its doors in 2021, provides visitors with a captivating journey through the artistic heritage of the Pacific Northwest, offering a diverse array of exhibitions and programs that celebrate the region's rich artistic legacy. By repurposing the historic courthouse as a museum of art, the building continues to serve as a vibrant hub of cultural activity, fostering a deeper appreciation for art and history within the local community and beyond.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bellingham. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Whatcom County Territorial Court House
Sight Location: Bellingham, USA (See walking tours in Bellingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Bellingham Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Bellingham, Washington

Create Your Own Walk in Bellingham

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bellingham is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Bellingham Introduction Walking Tour

Set along the shores of Bellingham Bay against the majestic backdrop of Mount Baker, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. The city finds itself at the center of a uniquely picturesque area, the ancestral home of several Coast Salish peoples. The Indigenous communities of Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, and Nuwaha have inhabited this territory for... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Fairhaven Historic District Walking Tour

Initially one of four pioneer settlements surrounding Bellingham Bay, Fairhaven traces its origins back to 1853. It later evolved into a town under the leadership of Daniel J Harris, famously known as Dirty Dan Harris, in 1883. Experiencing rapid growth in subsequent years, Fairhaven eventually merged with Bellingham in 1903.

Because of its waterfront location, Fairhaven thrived as a hub for... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

51爆料网