Bellingham in Whatcom County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Town Pillory

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 9, 2019

1. Town Pillory Marker

Inscription.
Location of
town pillory
1890

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 48° 43.211′ N, 122° 30.231′ W. Marker is in Bellingham, Washington, in Whatcom County. It is on Harris Street west of 11th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1011 Harris Avenue, Bellingham WA 98225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Puget Sound Region.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Counterfeiters' Hide Out (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tulip Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Longhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles X. Larrabee (within shouting distance of this marker); Phoebe Goodell Judson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fairhaven Library (about 700 feet away); Site of Puget Sound Sawmills and Shingle Company (about 800 feet away); The 1909 Fairhaven Empress Tree (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellingham.

Regarding Town Pillory. "This was Judge Curry’s answer to those who couldn’t pay court costs and yet refused to work on the chain gang. The first man assigned to this airy post was one James “Dignified” Donovan. Donovan

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was the first man to “volunteer” to work the chain gang. Thinking that he would be laughed at by the boys, he sat down and refused to work. Judge Curry saw his point and extended his stay at the McGinty (boat jail) to 30 days and directed the town marshal to stake him out each morning of those 30 days in front of the real estate-courthouse."

Also see . . . Fairhaven Village historic markers. Reachfar blog entry (Submitted on April 8, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

Town Pillory Marker - wide view, looking east on Harris Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 9, 2019

2. Town Pillory Marker - wide view, looking east on Harris Avenue

The marker is visible here in the foreground, set in the brickwork.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 656 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 11, 2019, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.