The Gold Rush year 1858 was critical for Washington Territory and also for the little settlements on Bellingham Bay, where an astonishing number of ships and steamers came and went each week. While researching the bark Ann Parry, historian Janet Oakley uncovered new details about Whatcom and Sehome from the ads, reporters and shipping news. She tells of these discoveries, including the dramatic story of one steamer that nearly ended in one of the greatest losses of life at sea.