Historical Events tagged with "pacific northwest"
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.
Amtrak Cascades Train 501 Derailed in Washington
An Amtrak Cascades passenger train derailed near DuPont, Washington, resulting in six fatalities and approximately 70 injuries. This incident occurred as the train was traveling on a newly opened route between Seattle and Portland. The train was on an elevated section of track when it went off the rails, with several cars falling onto an interstate highway below. Emergency services responded rapidly to the scene to assist those affected.
Continue ReadingPacific Northwest Cyclone Causes Devastation
A severe cyclone struck the Pacific Northwest, exhibiting wind speeds comparable to a Category 3 hurricane, exceeding 150 mph. This intense storm led to the deaths of 46 people, caused widespread destruction, and prompted emergency responses from local authorities. The cyclone resulted in significant property damage, widespread power outages, and disrupted transportation systems across the region, showcasing the vulnerability of coastal areas to such natural phenomena.
Continue ReadingColumbus Day Storm Ravages Pacific Northwest
The Columbus Day Storm produced record wind speeds across the U.S. Pacific Northwest, particularly affecting areas in Oregon and Washington. This powerful windstorm occurred in October 1962, generating winds that reached up to 145 mph, causing extensive destruction. The storm led to severe damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, resulting in estimated losses of at least U.S. $230 million. Tragically, the storm also claimed the lives of 46 people, leaving a lasting impact on the affected communities.
Continue ReadingDenny Party Lands at Alki Point
In November 1851, the Denny Party landed at Alki Point, marking the beginning of their settlement in the region. Led by Arthur Denny, the group arrived on the steamship 'Exact' seeking new opportunities and land. They briefly settled on Alki Point before relocating across Elliott Bay, where they established the town that would evolve into Seattle. Their arrival initiated significant changes in the area, paving the way for future development.
Continue ReadingOrganization of Oregon Territory by Congress
The Oregon Territory was organized by an act of Congress, establishing the governance system for this large area of the Pacific Northwest. Spanning areas that would later become the states of Oregon, Washington, and parts of Idaho, this legislation aimed to bring order to the burgeoning population of settlers attracted by the promise of land and resources. The act laid the foundation for the legal and administrative structure of the territory, facilitating its eventual admission to the Union.
Continue ReadingMount Hood Named After Viscount Samuel Hood
Lieutenant William E. Broughton sighted a prominent mountain while exploring the Oregon region, located near the mouth of the Willamette River. In honor of Admiral Samuel Hood, the mountain was named Mount Hood. Broughton was part of the Vancouver Expedition, tasked with exploring the Pacific Northwest. The naming of the mountain reflected the British naval interests in the Pacific region and highlighted the importance of geographical exploration during this era.
Continue ReadingFrancis Drake Discovers a New Bay
English explorer Francis Drake encountered a bay on the Pacific Northwest coast, which he described as 'fair and good.' Speculated to be in present-day Oregon or Washington, this discovery came during his circumnavigation of the globe aboard the Golden Hinde. Drake anchored in the bay for repairs and resupply, marking a significant moment in early exploration of the West Coast.
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