On the last day of our cruise on the Columbia River, we went on past the confluence of the Willamette and the Columbia, the rest of the way to the Pacific Ocean and the port of Astoria. Here are some pictures.
Lewis and Clark wintered here in 1805-1806. After surveying the options, they chose this location to build Fort Clatsop. They didn't ask the Indians for the land or the trees, but after staying here for 3 1/2 months, they did give the fort to the Indians. This photo depicts the trading that went on between them. Trading with Europeans was nothing new to these Indians. One chief met them wearing a complete British Army Officers Uniform that he had traded for.
Sacajawea was the young Indian bride of the French Canadian, Toussaint Charbonneau, Charbonneau was a good guide but the pair was chosen because of Sacajawea's ability to speak the Shoshone Indian Language. (she had been kidnapped from them as a child) Her son Jean Baptiste was born on the trail and celebrated his first birthday at Fort Clatsop.
Miltary Flag Raising at Fort Clatsop. The flag had 15 stars in 1805. (the two past 13 were Vermont and Kentucky) It stayed at 15 stars until 1818 and thereafter on each July 4th a new flag was issued if a new state had joined the Union in the previous year. ... The things you learn on trips like this ... this will stand us in good stead in a trivia game in our future! The soldier is wearing real deer skin pants and shirt. He mentioned that they hadn't been washed in 4 years!
What William Clark may have looked like writing in his journal in Fort Clatsop
The Pilings remain after the last Salmon Cannery was removed. Only small niche canneries remain today. The Spirit of 98 is in the background.
Seagulls, Herons & Cormorants were the prevalent shore birds.
We will never share your email and respect your privacy