Fort Clatsop, located near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon, holds a significant place in American history as the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from December 1805 to March 1806. This site, now part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, was chosen for its strategic location, offering ample game and proximity to the ocean.
The fort was named after the local Clatsop Indians, who were instrumental in helping the expedition members during their stay. The original fort, constructed in just over three weeks, housed 32 men, one woman, a baby, and a dog. The expedition members spent the harsh, rainy winter collecting supplies, making salt and leather, and preparing their maps and journals for the journey back east.
After the expedition departed in March 1806, Fort Clatsop gradually deteriorated due to the wet climate of the region. A reconstruction of the fort, based on sketches from William Clark's journals, was completed in 1955 to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the expedition.
Unfortunately, this replica was severely damaged by fire in 2005, just weeks before the bicentennial celebration. A new replica, more rustic and rough-hewn, was built by about 700 volunteers in 2006 and stands today as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Visitors can explore the replica fort, walk through the rooms, and hike the surrounding trails. The site offers a variety of educational programs and ranger-led activities, especially during peak seasons.
The visitor center provides basic amenities, including a museum, bookstore, and two films that offer deeper insights into the history of the expedition.
Directions -
Near By Places
Explore More: Tourist Attractions
Hole 'N' The Rock, Oregon, USA
Casino Apache, Oregon, USA
Liberty Science Center, Oregon, USA
Delaware Seashore State Park, Oregon, USA
Lincoln, Oregon, USA
Brandywine Creek State Park, Oregon, USA
Pump House Indoor WaterPark, Oregon, USA
The Broad, Oregon, USA
Total Views - 69