Nestled between Seattle and the foothills of the Cascades, Bothell has long been a gateway to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Once a mill town, the city transformed into a regional center for education and innovation, home to the University of Washington Bothell and a growing tech sector. Despite its growth, Bothell remains deeply tied to its past, with preserved historic sites and annual events that celebrate its pioneer roots.
In 1885, at the age of 65, David Bothell purchased 80 acres of land from George Brackett, inspired by his son’s new life in Seattle. At that time, Seattle was a burgeoning city, attracting settlers and entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on its growth. David and his wife, Mary Ann, opened a boarding house that served as a temporary home for nomads and traveling families alike. Mary Ann’s hearty cooking and warm hospitality made the boarding house a welcoming haven for all who visited.
The Bothells deeply valued community. In late 1885, a family in town gave birth to a baby, the first born in the town of Bothell. The Bothells hosted the christening in their home, bringing together as many neighbors as they could and fostering a sense of belonging. After being elected postmaster, Gerhard Ericksen decided to name the town Bothell, stating, “There are so many Bothells in town and that’s a good name, so let’s call it Bothell.”
After the boarding house burned down in 1889, David Bothell built the Bothell Hotel, which he operated for the remainder of his life. Today, the town’s history and items from David Bothell’s life are protected by the Historic Bothell Society and the Bothell Historical Museum, right by where the Bothell Hotel was built.
What began as a small logging settlement along the Sammamish River quickly grew into a bustling hub for timber and agriculture. With the arrival of the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway in 1888, Bothell became a key transport stop, shipping lumber to fuel Seattle’s rapid expansion. Today, Bothell blends its rich history with modern development, boasting vibrant historic districts, top-tier educational institutions, and a thriving biotech industry.
The Bothells’ legacy of community and hospitality continues to define the spirit of Bothell right now. Their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment laid the foundation for the city’s enduring sense of togetherness. This spirit is evident in Bothell’s community events, local businesses, and the warm interactions among its residents. It seems even back in 1890s, home was always just a short drive outside of Seattle.
Today, Bothell stands as a vibrant community that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern advancements. The University of Washington Bothell has become a cornerstone of the city, offering over 55 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and emphasizing experiential learning, hands-on research, and community engagement. The campus is also home to a 58-acre wetland restoration project, serving as a living laboratory for students and faculty. Additionally, the city has nurtured a growing tech industry, with several office parks developed in the North Creek area since the 1980s, transforming Bothell into a hub for high-tech employment. Notably, a failed plan to build a regional shopping mall in the 1970s led to the development of business parks, including the area where David Morgan’s establishment resides today.
Reflecting on David Bothell’s contributions, we are reminded of David Morgan, whose dedication to craftsmanship and community similarly left a lasting impact. Both men exemplified the values of hard work, hospitality, and a deep commitment to their communities. Their legacies inspire us to uphold these principles, ensuring that the sense of family and community remains at the heart of Bothell’s identity.