The United States Lightship Columbia (WLV-604) is a historic vessel located in Astoria, Oregon. Columbia was commissioned in 1951 and was the fourth and final lightship stationed at the mouth of the Columbia River. Built at the Rice Brothers shipyard in Boothbay, Maine, Columbia was launched along with her sister ship Relief (WLV-605). The new ligh
Fort Clatsop
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Fort Clatsop was a campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, located in Oregon County near the mouth of the Columbia River. During the winter of 1805–06, the expedition camped here at the northern end of the Clatsop Plains, about 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Astoria. The fort was their last camp before they began their return journey east to St. Louis in the spring of 1806.
Construction History and Use
It took the Lewis and Clark Expedition just over three weeks to build the fort. It served as their camp from December 8, 1805, until their departure on March 23, 1806. The site is now protected as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, formerly known as Fort Clatsop National Memorial until 2004. The original fort fell into disrepair due to the region's humid climate, but was reconstructed for the sesquicentennial in 1955 from sketches in William Clark's journals. The replica stood for fifty years, but was severely damaged by fire in early October 2005. A new, simpler, rough-hewn replica was built in 2006 by about 700 volunteers. It was dedicated on December 9 and is now operated by the National Park Service.
Choosing a Winter Site
In late November 1805, after several days in what is now Washington State, Lewis and Clark proposed that the Corps of Discovery move to a site along the Columbia River on the recommendation of local Clatsop Indians. The group voted on the matter, including Sacagawea and the African-American slave York. The alternatives were to remain on the Washington side of the river, move upriver, or follow the advice of the Clatsop Indians and explore the area south of the river. The expedition overwhelmingly chose to follow the Indians' advice.
Exploration and Construction
Lewis set out to explore with five men, leaving Clark and the rest of the party behind. He was disappointed not to find the plentiful elk the Indians had spoken of. In Lewis's absence, the party performed chores, including mending clothing.
When Lewis found a suitable wintering site, the Corps of Discovery began the short journey to the site on December 7, 1805. Upon arrival, the men split into groups: Clark led one group to the Pacific Ocean to search for salt, while Lewis divided the remainder into hunting and cutting down trees to build a fort.
Living Conditions and Completion of Construction
Construction of the fort was slow due to incessant rain and wind. On December 23, people began moving into the unfinished dwelling, and on Christmas Eve, everyone finally moved in. On Christmas Day, the fort was named "Fort Clatsop" after a local Indian tribe.
Fort Clatsop was a relatively simple structure, consisting of two buildings surrounded by walls. All the men lived in one building, and Lewis, Clark, Sacagawea with her husband Toussaint Charbonneau and their son Jean Baptiste lived in the other.
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