Blaine is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. The city’s northern boundary is the Canada–US border. The Peace Arch international monument lies partly in Blaine and partly in Canada. The population was 4,684 at the 2010 census.[2] Since Blaine is located right on the border with Canada, it is the northernmost city on Interstate 5.
History
The area was first settled in the mid-19th century by pioneers who established the town as a seaport for the west coast logging and fishing industries, and as a jumping off point for prospectors heading to British Columbia‘s gold fields. Blaine was officially incorporated on May 20, 1890, and was named after James G. Blaine (1830−1893), who was a U.S. senator from the state of Maine, Secretary of State, and, in 1884, the unsuccessful Republican presidential candidate. The city has a “turn-of-the-century” theme, marked by remodeled buildings and signs resembling designs that existed during the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.43 square miles (21.83 km2), of which, 5.63 square miles (14.58 km2) is land and 2.80 square miles (7.25 km2) is water. Blaine’s motto is “Where America Begins”: the community is also known as “The Gateway to the Pacific Northwest”, and the “Peace Arch City”. All these phrases are commentaries on Blaine’s unique locale. It lies at the northernmost point of the north-south U.S. Interstate 5 and next to Drayton Harbor and Boundary Bay (the southward extension of Boundary Bay is officially named and often referred to as Semiahmoo Bay).
Economy
Much of Blaine’s economy is based on cross-border Canadian trade. The eastern side of the city accommodates a number of import/export warehouses, freight and courier services and gas stations serving long-haul cargo trucks. The Customs and Border Protection branch of the Department of Homeland Security operates two border inspection stations in Blaine. The Blaine Sector Headquarters of the US Border Patrol employs hundreds of federal law enforcement officers and support staff in the community.
Blaine also has a number of manufacturing companies, including Nature’s Path cereal and Totally Chocolate.
The Port of Bellingham operates a large marina in Blaine, serving a variety of pleasure craft and fishing vessels.
As Vancouver, B.C. is just north of Blaine, across the US-Canada border and where several prime-time television series are recorded, several dozen US actors/actresses have rented houses in Blaine and commute to Vancouver rather than rent houses and apartments in Vancouver, which is much more expensive. Included series are: Once Upon A Time, Beauty and the Beast, Supernatural and Nikita. For similar reasons, a significant number of Americans who work for companies in Vancouver are living in Blaine.
Just to the West of Blaine proper sits Birch Bay, which seems like its own little town (it’s actually part of the city of Blaine), and is bursting with lots to do. Its shallow shoreline makes for comparatively warm water during the summer if you enjoy water sports. Natural beauty abounds with a state park, walking paths and a great view of Mt. Baker! It is approx. 100 miles north of Seattle, 20 miles North of Bellingham and only 35 miles South of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Many Canadians call this small community their home away from home and own vacation/2nd homes. Everyone will enjoy the soft sandy beaches, many time share resorts and restaurants.
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