In the early 1890s , three railroad lines arrived , connecting the bay cities to a nationwide market of builders . The foothills around Bellingham were clearcut after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to help provide the lumber for the rebuilding of San Francisco . In time , lumber and shingle mills sprang up all over the county to accommodate the byproduct of their work
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
History of Bellingham, Washington