Lewis and Clark Trail History
The Replica of Fort Clatsop near Astoria, Oregon
After reaching the Pacific in November 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition needed to find a place to wait out the winter, as the Rocky Mountains would not become passable until late spring. With some help from the local Clatsop tribe they found a suitable spot on a small bluff overlooking today's Lewis and Clark River, about five miles southwest of present-day Astoria, Oregon. They constructed a small cramped wooden structure called "Fort Clatsop", where the Corps members waited out the cold damp winter, preparing for the return journey eastward.
The original Fort Clatsop decayed rather quickly due to the region's wet climate, but was reconstructed in 1955. Imprecise floorplans were drawn by Sergeant John Ordway and Captain William Clark, and Clark's version is preferred due to his leading role in the construction of the stockade. That first replica was destroyed by fire in 2005, and its replacement was complete by the end of 2006.
A couple of YouTube videos showing the first replica
Landmarks of Old Oregon -- Ep. 3, Part 1 - Fort Clatsop
Landmarks Old Oregon -- Ep. 3, Part 2 - Fort Clatsop
Photos of the first replica and the area surrounding it
Sheryl Todd's Personal Blog: July 25: Fort Clatsop, near Astoria
On Google Maps
