Lewis and Clark Trail, Oregon and Washington- by William

Ft. Vancouver, Vancouver Washington.

This fort was built along the Columbia River in 1825 by the Hudson Bay Company. It was instrumental in establishing fur trade and later supplying American settlers on the Oregon Trail. Beaver pelts were used to make top hats throughout Europe and the fort was the center of trade between Native Americans, French Canadian, and American trappers.

Fort Vancouver was like a village. There was a blacksmith, bakery, coopers, trade post. The biggest house belonged to John McLoughlin who was the chief factor, responsible for the trade market.

Dad in his usual spot!

Fort Clatsop is on the Lewis and Clark River at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was the fort that Lewis and Clark stayed at with the 32 members of the Corp of Discovery for the winter of 1805 before returning East. The fort was medium sized, with 4 cabins and one storage room. The used the storage room to gather supplies for the return trip.

Lewis and Clark always posted one sentry looking out for attackers, the rest of the men would either drill or hunt. We were able to see replicas of the dugout canoes that they used to go along the rivers on their trip.

Over the course of their trip only one person died, Sgt. Floyd.

Fort Clatsop flag

Entryway into a cabin.

This is one of the cabins where the soldiers would stay.

Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Fort Stevens, Or.

Ft. Stevens Oregon was both Civil War and World War II Base.

Washington's Cape Disappointment had another L&C Center

Cape Disappointment Lighthouse at the mouth of the Columbia River.

We saw a couple of Grey whales feeding at the mouth of the river and bald eagles overhead!

Will's Chance to Build BIG!!