1905: The Inauguration of the Semiahmoo Lighthouse in the Evergreen State

June 5, 1905

In the northwestern part of Washington State, a lighthouse on Semiahmoo Bay first went into service. The Semiahmoo Lighthouse — located near the Evergreen State’s port city of Blaine — was built in response to the notable increase in shipping traffic due to numerous fish canneries in the region.

This Victorian-style structure was designed by U.S. Lighthouse Board architect Carl Leick (1854-1939). “The finished building is an exceedingly pretty little light station and complete in every detail,” noted the Blaine Journal a month before the Semiahmoo Lighthouse’s official debut.

The lighthouse remained in operation until 1944, when it was deactivated and torn down. The Blaine Journal lamented at the time, “It will be some time before local residents become accustomed to looking out over the water and not seeing the old familiar lighthouse.” The final keeper to be stationed at the Semiahmoo Lighthouse was George Lonholt (1877-1954). 

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on the Semiahmoo Lighthouse, please check out https://www.historylink.org/File/10074