Near Manzanita in Tillamook County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Neahkahnie Mountain
A Roadblock
The beach was the road along Oregon’s coast during the late 1800s. Horses and wagons traveled for miles along the firm, wet sand - until Neahkahnie Mountain. With no room to pass around its base, travelers braved the mountain’s dangerously steep slopes and loose rock on an Indian trail. This problem persisted well into the 20th century, until construction of the Pacific Coast Highway, which became U.S. Highway 101. Even today, Neahkahnie Mountain often creates significant maintenance and repair headaches for Oregon’s Department of Transportation.
Neahkahnie Mountain has also proved hazardous to seafarers - many ships have wrecked along this stretch of Oregon’s coastline. One of the most puzzling was the wreck of the British vessel Glenesslin. The ship ran headlong into the base of Neahkahnie Mountain on September 30, 1913. Why she wrecked, with a full crew of skilled “old salts” on board, remains a mystery.
Erected by Oregon Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Features • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical date for this entry is September 30, 1913.
Location. 45° 44.673′ N, 123° 57.64′ W. Marker is near Manzanita, Oregon, in Tillamook County. Marker is on Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. 101) near Meadow Loop, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manzanita OR 97130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oswald West (here, next to this marker); Roosevelt Elk (here, next to this marker); In Harmony with Nature (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Oswald West (here, next to this marker); Safety and Beauty (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); From Footpath to Highway (about 700 feet away); The First People (about 800 feet away); Uncanny Neahkahnie (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manzanita.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.