Historical Events tagged with "columbia river"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Vanport Flood Dike Failure Obliterates City
The dike along the Columbia River broke, resulting in a catastrophic flood that completely inundated Vanport, Oregon, in a matter of minutes. During this disaster, fifteen lives were lost, and tens of thousands of residents were rendered homeless as the water surged through the area, erasing homes and memories in its path. The flood caused significant destruction and transformed the landscape of the region, leaving the community to grapple with the aftermath.
Continue ReadingJapanese Submarine Attack on Fort Stevens
A Japanese submarine surfaced near the Columbia River, targeting Fort Stevens with 17 artillery shells. The attack, one of the few on the U.S. mainland during World War II, occurred along the Oregon coast. Fortunately, no significant damage was done, though the attack raised concerns about the vulnerability of the U.S. mainland to enemy action.
Continue ReadingDavid Thompson Claims Columbia District for Britain
Explorer David Thompson planted a sign near what is now Sacajawea State Park in Washington state, formally claiming the Columbia District for the United Kingdom. This act was part of Thompson's exploration efforts as a representative of the Northwest Company, aimed at asserting British interests in the Pacific Northwest amidst growing tensions of American expansionism. The location was significant due to its proximity to the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers, which were vital for trade and exploration.
Continue ReadingTonquin Departs for Pacific Fur Company's Venture
The Tonquin set sail from New York Harbor carrying 33 employees of John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company. This mission aimed to establish a profitable fur trading venture on the Pacific Coast of North America, an area rich in fur-bearing animals. The crew was tasked with creating a new trading post that would compete with other established interests in the region. The journey represented a significant investment in the burgeoning fur trade market, highlighting Astor's ambitions in expanding American commerce.
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