The lighthouse has watched over the entrance of the Columbia River since was first lit on October 15, 1856. It stands fifty-three feet tall, has a focal plane of 220 feet above the sea, and tapers from a diameter of fourteen feet four inches at . . . — — Map (db m116607) HM
"It is estimated that with two canneries, the lumbering, cranberry and railroad interests centering at Ilwaco annually put into circulation at this town about $600,000. This is a solid town and is entitled to the attention of all visitors to . . . — — Map (db m116580) HM
Sailing a ship into the narrow channel at the mouth of the Columbia River was always dangerous and often deadly. Sailing ships would frequently be forced to wait for days and sometimes weeks for the weather to be right to "cross the bar."
Even . . . — — Map (db m116577) HM
In the past two centuries there have been many changes at Beard's Hollow. Historically, the Chinook Indians visited the tide pools near the water's edge to collect sea life for food and shells to use as tools and decorations.
When the Lewis and . . . — — Map (db m116578) HM
The U.S. Army constructed Fort Canby, along with Fort Columbia and Fort Stevens, to defend the entrance to the Columbia River from enemy warships. U.S. Army troops manned the forts from the mid-19th century until the end of World War II.
The . . . — — Map (db m116597) HM
John Edmund Pickernell
New Hampshire 1818
Washington Terr 1877
Wife Tonwah
Settled this site 1842
Signatory Champoeg Convention 1843 — — Map (db m288784) HM
The fort had barracks for the men, cottages for officers and their families, and a large residence for the commanding officer. Other buildings included the post exchange, which was much like a general store, and the guardhouse, which served as . . . — — Map (db m116595) HM
November 18, Monday 1805
William Clark recorded in his
journal that on this date:
"I set out with 10 men and my man York to the ocian by land.... (later in the day) … I found Capt. Lewis name on a tree. I also engraved my name.... I . . . — — Map (db m120771) HM
Working and Living on North Head
Lighthouse keepers maintained the North Head Lighthouse from 1898 until its automation in 1961. Keeping the light burning 365 days a year was arduous, repetitive work.
Keepers carried gallons of oil up . . . — — Map (db m116574) HM
