Stevenson in Skamania County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Stevenson Washington

A Center of Commerce

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2020

1. Stevenson Washington Marker

Inscription. George Stevenson stood on the north bank of the Columbia River, listening to it roar through this narrow Gorge, and envisioned a community strategically located for commerce. Every person traveling this liquid highway stopped here above the Cascades of the Columbia to portage these rapids. In 1889, Stevenson purchased the old Shepard donation land claim for $24,000, plotted a riverside town, and gave it his name.
In those early days, rough-and-tumble Stevenson supplied merchandise, entertainment and camaraderie for loggers and farmers scattered across rugged wooded hills. Modern Stevenson conducts its business with a view of one of the finest Gorge vistas.

There were no roads at all... you could scarcely get around by horseback. But we had five or six steamboats a day coming in here, even as late as 1908... No nervous breakdowns in those days because you had to be leisurely whether you wanted to or not. A.C. Sly, early Stevenson resident.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 45° 41.629′ N, 121° 52.977′ W. Marker is in Stevenson, Washington, in Skamania County. It is on 2nd Street, aka Lewis and Clark Highway (Washington Route 14) near Leavens Street, on the left when

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traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 192 2nd Street, Stevenson WA 98648, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Columbia River Gorge

and in Southwest Washington State.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "White Lightning" In The Back Alley (here, next to this marker); "Stump Lifter" Elected First Mayor (within shouting distance of this marker); Great Depression Threatens Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Steamboats Docked at Stevenson (about 800 feet away); "The Great Shoote" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bretz Floods (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wind Mountain (approx. ¼ mile away); Gatekeepers of the Columbia (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stevenson.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2020

2. Stevenson Washington Marker

The marker is on the side of the Big River Grill.

Jay C. Johnson image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 12, 2020

3. Jay C. Johnson

1953-2003
Husband and Lover
Father and Friend
Family Man and Brother
Wild Man and Gentle Spirit
Bluesman and Fireman
Master Builder and Engineer
The Silk Shirt Dance Man

Jay lived every minute to its full measure, leaving no one untouched, offering his hand in friendship to all.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 18, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 18, 2020, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.