Corner of Washington Avenue and Martin Sreet, Blaine, WA. Among the buildings on this block are a dry goods store, a drug store, a book and stationery store, and a theatre. Prior to 1857 only the local Indians, the Semiahmoo—a Coast Salish people, lived here. In 1858 many miners passed through here on their way to the Fraser River gold fields as well as men working on the Northwest Boundary Commission. The Blaine area started to see permanent settlers and businesses around 1870. By 1885 the area had a post office, and an overland mail route was opened to the town of Whatcom (now Bellingham). Blaine was incorporated in 1890 and named after James G. Blaine, a U.S. senator. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, Blaine is still a much used portal for travelers passing through British Columbia.
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