In 1788, while in search of the Columbia River, English Captain John Meares missed the passage over the river bar and named the nearby headland Cape Disappointment for his failure in finding the river. In 1792, American Captain Robert Gray successfully crossed the river bar and named the river "Columbia" after his ship, the Columbia Rediviva. Only a few years later, in 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at Cape Disappointment.
The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was constructed in 1856 to warn seamen of the treacherous river bar known by then as "the graveyard of the Pacific." This is the oldest functioning lighthouse on the West Coast.
In 1862, Cape Disappointment was armed with smoothbore cannons to protect the mouth of the Columbia River from enemies. The installation was expanded to become Fort Canby in 1875.
~ Cape Disappointment Historical Facts
Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park
Saturday morning was spent just over the bridge in Washington.
Our destination was Cape Disappointment.
We spent a good part of our morning hiking up to the Cape Disappointment lighthouse.
This light house still guides the ships into the Columbia River. How do we know that for sure? Just ask the boys who didn't know that the Lighthouse keeper would open the door when they knocked on it!
Hiking!
Hiking pass Dead Mans Cove...
Hiking higher and higher!
The Lighthouse!
The views from the lighthouse!
This is where the Pacific meets up with the Columbia River.
Hiking back down we found an old 3 gun defense Battery.
It was in use during WW2. It was built in 1906.
It ended up being the perfect spot for lunch!
There is tons of history in this area!
This is where Lewis and Clark those famous explorers saw the Pacific!
They completed the Mission that President Jefferson gave them!
"Men find a water passage to the Pacific!"
They ended up documenting so many maps of the West along with bringing back hundreds of drawings of new animals that Science didn't know existed! They studied the language and people of the lands.
The Man were extremely amazing with all that they endured.
Exploring the Exhibits.
Beloved enjoying the view from a 100 year old sailboat.
The view of the Lighthouse from the Cape Disappointment Museum.
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