Near Fort Canby, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
Welcome to the Edge of the Continent
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 9, 2026
1. Welcome to the Edge of the Continent Marker
This is a place where life flourishes. The mixing of waters has long supported a great diversity of life: salmon, crab, sea lions, whales, migrating birds, and people. Chinook Indians are the ares's longest residents. The Lewis and Clark Expedition came here in 1805
Many Names, One Place
The Chinook Indians call Cape Disappointment "Kah'eese." Spanish explorer Bruno Deceta named it "San Roque" as he sailed past in 1775. British trader John Meares named it "Cape Disappointment" in 1788, reflecting his mistaken impression that there was no river here.
In 1792, Captain Robert Gray piloted the first sailing ship, the Columbia Rediviva up the river. The name he gave Cape Disappointment., "Caper Hancock," didn't stock but his name for the river, in honor of his successful ship, did.
Erected by Washington State Parks, Friends of the Columbia River Gateway.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:
this page online
Location. 46° 16.681′ N, 24° 3.237′ W. Marker is near Fort Canby in , Washington. It can be reached from Cape Disa[pointment near Coast Guard Road. This marker is located at the Lewis and Clark Interpretative Center at the south end pf Cape Disappointment Road. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 9, 2026
2. Welcome to the Edge of the Continent Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
