Bothell’s roots run deep in the Pacific Northwest story. Originally home to the Sammamish people, the area later drew settlers in the 1870s who were captivated by the dense forests and the river that provided a natural transportation route. The town was named after David Bothell, one of its earliest settlers, who purchased land here in 1885.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Bothell thrived as a logging and farming community. Lumber mills along the Sammamish River fueled the town’s early growth, and the river itself became a lifeline for transporting goods. As the logging industry declined, Bothell transitioned into a quiet residential community, valued for its fertile land, schools, and proximity to Seattle.

Fast-forward to today, and Bothell has blossomed into a vibrant city that honors its past while embracing the future. Its historic downtown still carries the charm of its early days, with restored buildings and local shops, while new development and the University of Washington Bothell campus have brought fresh energy, innovation, and opportunity to the area.

Living in Bothell means being part of a city that has transformed from its logging-town beginnings into a modern hub of culture, education, and community—all while keeping that welcoming, small-town feel.