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This courthouse was one of the oldest buildings in Fairhaven, WA, dating to 1858. A reporter, Frank Teck, wrote in the local newspaper, the Fairhaven Times, summarized: "The old brick courthouse building on E street, between Holly and 14th streets, Whatcom, was sold today by the county commissioners. It is the most interesting historical relic in Whatcom county, perhaps, and is the first brick building erected in Washington territory. It was built in the summer of 1858, when Whatcom, thanks to the Fraser river gold excitement, had a greater population than all the rest of the territory combined. It was built by San Francisco contractors in 1858 for Charles E. Richards and John G. Hyatt, who used it as a general store building until 1861 or 1862. On May 8, 1863, Charles E. Richards sold the brick store building and the two lots to Whatcom county for $2,000, being paid in county scrip worth only 25 per cent. Until 1884 the county court was held at LaConner, but the county offices occupied the second story of the brick building until February, 1891, when they were removed to the present courthouse. All the material used in the construction of the old brick building came from San Francisco, including the tin for the roof." (See "Last days of Dan Harris in Gay Los Angeles,"Accessed 07/10/2012.)

Wood pilings sticking above Fairhaven Bay seawater supported the Courthouse originally. Fill originally was placed later as a foundation.

PCAD id: 17996