Historical Society: Point Roberts

Here in Whatcom County we have one of four American exclaves along the northern border—US places which require land travel through Canada from the US mainland. The Whatcom County Historical Society’s March program will feature a presentation on the history of Point Roberts by Mark Swenson, who lives in the exclave. Swenson will take us on a virtual tour of Point Roberts and along the way he will share historical anecdotes about the exclave from all eras of history, including the creation of the border, its role in the Fraser River gold rush, the settlement of Icelanders and later Canadians, the salmon industry, alcohol and smuggling, Coast Salish villages and middens, and the history of its economic model. Swenson, the author of the book Point Roberts Backstory: Tales, Trails & Trivia of an American Exclave, will bring the exclave to life and share the fascinating history of the sometimes-precarious existence of Point Roberts. Co-presented by the Whatcom County Historical Society.