2011 Map of Knappa

About this map

Karlson Island and Marsh Island anchor a complex network of waterways where the Columbia River meets the intricate wetlands of Clatsop County. This landscape is defined by its sloughs and islands, including Horseshoe Island and Snag Islands, which created a challenging environment for early settlement. On the mainland, the communities of Knappa and Brownsmead are established along the edges of these tidal reaches, supported by infrastructure like the Tillusqua Fish Hatchery. The map documents a rural coastal economy tied to the water, visible through features like the Marsh Island Light and the numerous dikes, such as Brownsmead Dike Ln, protecting the low-lying valley lands. Local genealogy is grounded here at Maplewood Cemetery and Prairie Cemetery, while family-named roads like Maggie Johnson Rd and Hjalmer Anderson Rd speak to the area's homesteading history.