John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints


Fort Clatsop National Memorial, Oregon

Location

Fort Clatsop National Memorial is located south of the town of Astoria in northwestern Oregon, near the mouth of the Columbia River.

The route to the Fort from US101 is clearly signposted, if a little complicated.

Description

The original Fort Clatsop, which no longer exists, was built in 1805 by the Lewis and Clark Expedition as their winter quarters after their epic journey west.

Be sure not to confuse the modern visitor centre building with the log cabin reconstructed Fort. After viewing the various exhibits in the visitor centre a short path leads to the reconstructed Fort which visitors are encouraged to explore. Park guides in historical costume explain the history of the Fort and the Lewis and Clark Expedition and demonstrate frontier skills. A series of open-air presentations are given in which visitors (especially children) are encouraged to participate; we saw presentations about the various games played by members of the Expedition and about making candles.

From the reconstructed Fort short paths lead to a nearby spring and to the canoe landing on the Lewis and Clark River. From the canoe landing a separate path leads directly back to the parking area but you are entirely free to wander as you wish.

The entire area is wooded, which contributes greatly to the appropriate historic atmosphere of wilderness.

The name of the Fort came from that of a friendly local Indian tribe.

The reconstructed Fort was built in 1955 by various local organisations. In 1958 the Oregon Historical Society donated the site to the Federal Government and it became part of the National Park Service system.

Entrance Fee

Entrance fee for a normal car, including the driver and all passengers, for seven days, as at summer 1999: $4.

In the Area


Oregon

Historical Places

National Monuments

Pacific Coast Highway

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As with all the other pages on this personal web site, all the information on this page is solely the opinion of the author, who has no connection whatsoever with any of the companies and organisations mentioned other than as an actual or potential customer.
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Most recently modified 12-Aug-01