BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously at Monday night’s meeting to remove the Pickett name from a historic downtown bridge over Whatcom Creek.
The city council in 1918 named the bridge for U.S. Army Captain George Pickett, who was stationed in Bellingham in the 1850s but who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
Council member Michael Lilliquist says it’s time to reverse that decision.
Member Pinky Vargas points out that this is the culmination of a two year process and the council is following the recommendation of the Historic Preservation Commission that the name be removed.
The commission also recommends that a plaque taken off the bridge should be placed in a historical setting where Pickett’s role in our history can be discussed.
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City considers renaming Pickett Bridge