1943 Map of Fort Columbia

About this map

Fort Columbia Military Reservation and the strategic heights of Scarboro Hill dominate the southwestern corner of this coastal landscape, overlooking the critical entrance to the Columbia River and Baker Bay. During the early 1940s, this region was a vital intersection of defense and industry. The coastline is dotted with maritime and commercial landmarks, including a Fish Cannery near Hungry Harbor and the U S Quarantine Station at Knappton. Inland, the economy is driven by natural resources, evidenced by a Logging Camp along the Naselle River and the Naselle State Salmon Hatchery. Family history is deeply rooted in the numerous named ranches such as Gile Ranch, Oman Ranch, and Simaka Ranch that line the river valleys. The transportation network of the era is captured through a mix of plank roads, rural routes, and the ferry crossing at Megler, which provided essential connectivity before modern bridges spanned the wide river mouth.