Historical Marker

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Historical marker location:
1 Coxcomb Drive, Astoria, Oregon
( Marker can be reached from Coxcomb Drive, 0.7 miles 15th Street.)

  A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
  • 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
  • 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
  • 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
  • 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
  • 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was a significant event in the history of the United States, as it helped to expand the country's knowledge of its western territories and paved the way for future settlement and exploration of the region.
Audiobooks about the history of Oregon.
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Oregon random facts
Clatsop County, located in the northwest corner of Oregon, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by indigenous people, including the Clatsop and Chinook tribes, who thrived on the abundance of fish, game, and natural resources offered by the coastal forests and rivers.

The first European exploration of the area came in the late 18th century, when British explorer Captain James Cook sailed along the coast. However, it was the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806 that brought significant attention to the region. The expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, spent the winter of 1805-1806 near the mouth of the Columbia River, establishing Fort Clatsop as their encampment. The expedition's success in reaching the Pacific Ocean boosted interest in the area for trade and settlement.

In the mid-19th century, Clatsop County experienced rapid growth with the establishment of Astoria in 1811, the first permanent American settlement on the West Coast. Astoria became a major hub for the fur trade, attracting merchants, trappers, and settlers seeking opportunity in the burgeoning Pacific Northwest. The county's economy expanded further with the discovery of gold in nearby California in 1848, as Clatsop County served as a key supply point for prospectors heading south.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Clatsop County, as industries such as logging and fishing became prominent. Fishing, particularly for salmon, played a vital role in the county's economy, with the Columbia River supporting numerous canneries and processing plants. Timber also became a major industry, as vast forests were harvested to meet the demand for lumber. Today, Clatsop County continues to be a popular tourist destination with its scenic coastline, historical landmarks, and vibrant communities that blend a rich heritage with a thriving modern culture.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clatsop County, Oregon.

  • 1805 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition reaches the area now known as Clatsop County.
  • 1806 - The Lewis and Clark Expedition departs the area after spending the winter near present-day Astoria.
  • 1811 - John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company establishes Fort Astoria, the first permanent European-owned settlement in the region.
  • 1813 - Fort Astoria is sold to the British North West Company.
  • 1818 - The United States and Britain sign the Treaty of Joint Occupation, establishing both countries' claims to the Oregon Country.
  • 1821 - The North West Company merges with the Hudson's Bay Company, gaining control of Fort Astoria and the surrounding area.
  • 1846 - The United States and Britain sign the Oregon Treaty, officially establishing the U.S. claim to the Oregon Territory.
  • 1848 - Clatsop County is established as a county in the newly formed Oregon Territory.
  • 1850 - Astoria is incorporated as a city.
  • 1876 - The Clatsop people, a Native American tribe, sign a treaty with the U.S. government, ceding most of their ancestral lands.
  • 1884 - The first railroad line is completed in Clatsop County, connecting Astoria with the rest of Oregon.
  • 1922 - The Columbia River Highway is constructed, improving transportation and tourism in the region.
  • 1989 - The Clatsop County Historical Society is founded to preserve and promote the area's history.