Oregon City in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Fishing At Tumwater
Ancient Fishing Site
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 25, 2017
1. Fishing At Tumwater Marker
Caption: Drawn by Joseph Drayton, United States Exploring Expedition (Wilkes Expedition), 1841.
Prior to the starting of the annual fishing the Tribes held a salmon ceremony to welcome the return of the annual fish runs. The first fish was caught and distributed to members of the village and the bones were returned to the river to ensure the continued return of the salmon.
A variety of methods were used to catch the salmon, including using dip nets from wooden platforms and other techniques by anchoring canoes above the falls. The salmon were often smoke-dried and stored for winter food as were an important trade item.
Another important food was the lamprey (eel) that annually ascends the falls in great numbers. Sturgeon were fished for and caught in the river.
Today, the Clowewalla and Clackamas Chinook are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde under the Treaty with the Kalapuya, Etc., 1855 (also known as the Willamette Valley Treaty). The Grand Ronde people continue to honor the salmon, steelhead, eel and other traditional food resources that come from the Willamette River.
Erected by End of
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Natural Features • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.
Location. 45° 21.867′ N, 122° 35.669′ W. Marker is in Oregon City, Oregon, in Clackamas County. Marker can be reached from Washington Street near Abernethy Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1726 Washington Street, Oregon City OR 97045, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lot Whitcomb (here, next to this marker); Abigail Scott Duniway (here, next to this marker); Earthquakes and Mountain Fog (here, next to this marker); Sidney W. Moss (a few steps from this marker); Medorem Crawford (a few steps from this marker); Clackamas Chinook (a few steps from this marker); Wagons (within shouting distance of this marker); The Trail of Tears (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oregon City.
More about this marker. This marker is located next to the End Of Oregon Trail Interpretive Center facing outward towards Abernethy Green.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 25, 2017
2. Fishing At Tumwater Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2018. It was originally submitted on February 17, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 17, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
