The Long Beach Peninsula in Washington State is renowned for its treacherous waters, earning it the ominous nickname “The Graveyard of the Pacific.” Over the centuries, numerous ships have met their demise along this rugged coastline, leaving behind tales of tragedy and resilience.
The Coast Line: The Graveyard of the Pacific – Long Beach Peninsula
Stretching from Tillamook Bay in Oregon to Cape Scott in British Columbia, this perilous maritime region has claimed over 2,000 vessels and approximately 700 lives since 1792. The convergence of powerful currents, shifting sandbars, dense fog, and unpredictable storms makes navigation exceptionally hazardous.
Notable Shipwrecks Along the Long Beach Peninsula
- Isabella (1830): This Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship sank off Sand Island near the Columbia River’s mouth. Discovered in 1986, the wreck is now an Oregon state archaeological site, significant as the only known example of its type from that era.
- Peacock (1841): A U.S. Naval brig that struck the Peacock Spit of the Columbia Bar, leading to its abandonment after failed attempts to free the vessel.
- Vandalia (1853): This ship washed ashore near McKenzie Head, with the bodies of four crew members, including Captain E.N. Beard, found nearby. Beard’s Hollow in Cape Disappointment State Park is named in his honor.
- Strathblane (1891): A British bark that ran aground south of Ocean Park. Despite rescue efforts witnessed by hundreds, the ship broke apart in heavy surf, resulting in seven fatalities.
- Alice (1909): A French square-rigged ship that ran aground near Ocean Park during a storm, carrying 3,000 tons of cement. The crew survived, but the cement hardened, causing the ship to sink deep into the sand. The mast and rigging became a landmark until about 1930. Today, the Alice occasionally reappears during extreme low tides.
- Glenmorag (1896): On March 19, 1896, the British bark Glenmorag ran aground near Ocean Park. The crew was rescued by the Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station, highlighting the bravery and effectiveness of the life-saving teams stationed along the peninsula.
- Solano (1907): The schooner Solano met its fate on February 5, 1907, when it was driven ashore by a fierce storm. The wreck occurred near the Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station, whose crew responded promptly to the emergency.
- Caoba (1925): On February 5, 1925, the bark Caoba was wrecked along the Long Beach Peninsula. Details about the circumstances of the wreck are scarce, but it remains one of the many vessels claimed by the treacherous waters of the area.
- Alfa (1924): The bark Alfa ran aground on September 19, 1924. The specifics of this incident are limited, but it adds to the long list of maritime tragedies in the region.
- Lenore (1917): On April 10, 1917, the schooner Lenore was lost along the peninsula’s coast. The details surrounding this wreck are minimal, reflecting the often undocumented nature of such maritime disasters.
- Artemsia (1889): The Artemsia met its end in 1889 along the Long Beach Peninsula. While specific details are scarce, it stands as one of the early recorded shipwrecks in the area.
- C.A. Klose (1905): Also known as the C.A. Close, this vessel was wrecked on March 26, 1905. The circumstances of the wreck remain largely undocumented.
- Point Loma (1896): The steamer Point Loma was lost on February 28, 1896. Details about this incident are limited, but it contributes to the area’s reputation as the “Graveyard of the Pacific.”
- Frank W. Howe (1904): On February 22, 1904, the schooner Frank W. Howe was wrecked along the peninsula. Specific details about the wreck are scarce, reflecting the challenges of maritime navigation in the area.
Exploring the Maritime History Today
Visitors to the Long Beach Peninsula can delve into its rich maritime history through various sites and exhibits:
- Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum: Located in Ilwaco, the museum features photographs, artifacts, and firsthand accounts from local shipwrecks. They offer a free map titled “Shipwrecks Along the Discovery Trail” for a self-guided tour.
- Cape Disappointment State Park: Home to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and the North Head Lighthouse, both established to aid navigation and reduce shipwrecks. The park offers trails with panoramic views of the Columbia Bar, providing insights into the challenges faced by mariners.
The tales of these shipwrecks serve as poignant reminders of the perils of maritime navigation and the enduring spirit of those who braved the formidable waters of the Pacific Northwest.
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