HistoryLink Tours

Look north. You are standing at the location of the large historic Net Sheds building, a key component of Everett’s fishing fleet. A number of commercial fishing boats were based on the Everett waterfront. The fishing industry was an important part of the waterfront history and culture. The waterfront was a busy place with many industries, home to sawmill workers, shingle weavers, and commercial fisherman.

The Net Shed building, 320 feet by 90 feet, was built in 1944 just a few feet from the docks. It was used to store nets and gear of the Everett purse seine boats. Inside were 20 stalls, each measuring 16 feet by 90 feet. The sheds were also a social center for the fishermen, where the crews could gather and meet. The fishing industry later fell into lean times and declined. The Net Shed building was demolished in 2008.

This building has a connection to the sawmill past. The structure was originally one of the sawmill buildings of the Ferry-Baker Company lumber mill on the Snohomish River at the east end of 16th Street.

Walk west, and north and west around one of the largest marinas on the West Coast on the waterfront promenade walkway. You’ll pass the fountain where you started this tour. Stop near the restroom facility on the north side of the promenade walkway.