1-833-933-4TFD
Columbia County, Oregon, located in the northwestern region of the state, has a rich and vibrant history. Here are seven interesting facts that illuminate the county's past:
1. The county was named after the Columbia River, which serves as its western border. The river was named in 1792 by Captain Robert Gray, an American explorer, after his ship, the Columbia Rediviva.
2. In the mid-1800s, Columbia County was known for its timber industry. The dense forests provided an abundant source of wood for construction and manufacturing. By the turn of the century, however, the forests had been extensively logged, and the county's economy shifted toward agriculture.
3. In 1857, the town of St. Helens was founded as the county seat. The name "St. Helens" was originally intended to reference Mount St. Helens, located in nearby Washington state. However, there is some debate as to whether the town was actually named after a woman named Helen who lived there at the time.
4. During World War II, Columbia County was home to a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. Located near the town of Prescott, the camp housed about 250 German soldiers who had been captured in North Africa. The prisoners were put to work harvesting crops and cutting timber.
5. Columbia County was also the site of a major labor strike in 1985. The strike, which involved workers at the Georgia-Pacific paper mill in St. Helens, lasted for nearly a year and was marked by intense animosity between the workers and the mill's management.
6. The county is home to several historic lighthouses, including the Warrior Rock Lighthouse, which was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse is located on a small island in the Columbia River and is only accessible by boat.
7. Finally, Columbia County is known for its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque vistas and hiking trails aplenty. One particularly notable attraction is the Columbia River Gorge, a 90-mile-long canyon that runs along the river's southern edge and provides some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
In summary, Columbia County's history is full of fascinating stories and notable figures. From its early days as a thriving timber hub to its more recent struggles with labor disputes and economic transitions, the county has seen its fair share of ups and downs. But through it all, one thing remains constant: its enduring natural beauty and the resilient and vibrant communities that call it home.
← Older Post Newer Post →