Astoria in Clatsop County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Ranald MacDonald
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 23, 2017
1. Ranald MacDonald Marker
Ranald MacDonald
First Teacher of English in Japan
The son of the Hudson's Bay Co. manager of Fort George and Chinook Indian Chief Comcomly's daughter, MacDonald theorized that a racial link existed between Indians and Japanese. He determined to enter Japan although it was closed to foreigners for over 200 years. Sailing in 1848 as a deckhand on an American whaler, he marooned himself on Rishiri Island near Hokkaido.
While awaiting his deportation, he was allowed to teach English to 14 Japanese scholars, some of whom became leaders in the modernization of Japan.
He spent his active life in Europe, Canada, and Australia. He is buried in an Indian cemetery near Curlew, Washington.
Erected 1988 by Susanna Von Reibold, Shokookai of Portland and others; Clatsop County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Communications • Education • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 46° 11.291′ N, 123° 49.637′ W. Marker is in Astoria, Oregon, in Clatsop County. Marker is at the intersection of Exchange Street and 15th Street, on the right when traveling west on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Original Settlement of Astoria (here, next to this marker); Fort Astoria (a few steps from this marker); Into the Unknown (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gimre's Shoe Store (about 600 feet away); A Waterfront at Work (about 600 feet away); Built by Capt. Hiram Brown (about 700 feet away); 14th Street Ferry Slip (about 700 feet away); Clark Gable (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Astoria.
Additional keywords. Multiracial Americans
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 23, 2017
2. Ranald MacDonald Marker in Japanese
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 23, 2017
3. Ranald MacDonald Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 23, 2017
4. Ranald MacDonald Marker
Photographed By Link, circa 1853
5. Ranald MacDonald Marker in Japanese
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 339 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 1, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
