The First VisitorsProbably came from China or JapanRemains of boats and porcelain found on WA
coastDidn’t stay and make settlements here
Search for the Northwest PassageExplorers were looking for a water route that
would be a shortcut from Europe to Asia.No one ever discovered the route during this time.
It was discovered in 1903, but is not very usable for commercial purposes.
Reasons for searching for it:It took a long time (about 2 years) to travel to Asia
either going around the tip of Africa or South America.
It was a dangerous voyage. Whoever discovered it for Britain would get a cash
prize equal to $1 million today.
Spanish ExplorersJuan de Fuca found the Strait of Juan de Fuca in
1596Didn’t do much land exploration
Had conflicts with IndiansNo large populations of Natives to enslaveMany Spanish suffering from scurvyNo gold & silver along Pacific CoastToo busy with other interests in other placesCoastline was steep and rugged, making it
difficult to settleDidn’t like our weather/climate
Last expedition in this area was in 1775
British ExplorersJames Cook was
looking for the Northwest Passage.
Made his crews eat sauerkraut, which happened to contain vitamin C and prevented scurvy.
James CookHe traded with Natives on Vancouver Island
for sea otter furs.He was killed in the Sandwich Islands
(Hawaii).After he died, his crew found went to China
and found that the Chinese were very interested paying high prices for furs.
Sea OttersBetween 1750-1790, thousands of sea otters
were killed for their fur. Traded with Chinese for silk, spices, and tea.Used for coats and blankets.1977 sea otter placed on Endangered Species
list.
American ExplorersRobert GrayNavigated the very rough entrance to the
Columbia River & claimed land on both sides for the U.S.
Traded with Chinook Indians for furs.Didn’t do any significant exploration of the
Columbia River because he realized the sea otters he was after were captured in the ocean, not the river.
PiratesBetween 1575-
1742 there were at least 25 different pirate ships along the Pacific coast.
Pirates came from England, Holland, & France and were looking for Spanish ships to rob.
Naming the Islands
George Vancouver (British) 1792
Others friends of Vancouver’s were men with names like Baker, Rainier, Whidbey, & Puget
Vancouver Island
Columbia River
Lewis & Clark 1804-1806Set out to explore the Louisiana Territory, which
President Thomas Jefferson bought from France in 1803 for $15 million.
Were looking for the Northwest Passage and to learn about the land, plants, animals and Native people.
Took 28 people with them, including one slave.Started in St. Louis, Missouri on May 14, 1804
and traveled up the Missouri River.Spent the first winter in North Dakota with the
Mandan Indians.
Lewis & Clark 1804-1806Sacajawea (16 years old) and her husband
Charbonneau helped to guide them. She carried her baby on her back the whole trip!
Got horses to help them cross the mountains.Nez Perce Indians helped them build dug out
canoes.Reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805.Had hoped to meet a ship to take them back
around to the East, but none came.Build a shelter on the south side of the
Columbia River called Fort Clatsop to spend the winter.
Lewis & Clark 1804-1806Sacajawea (16 years old) and her husband
Charbonneau helped to guide them. She carried her baby on her back the whole trip!
Got horses to help them cross the mountains.Nez Perce Indians helped them build dug out
canoes.Reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805.Had hoped to meet a ship to take them back
around to the East, but none came.Build a shelter on the south side of the
Columbia River called Fort Clatsop to spend the winter.
Lewis & Clark 1804-1806March 23, 1806 they start the return trip
home.They reach St. Louis on September 23, 1806.Many people thought they had died.They are treated as national heroes!
American Fur TradersPacific Fur CompanyBuilt Fort Astoria near the mouth of the
ColumbiaWar of 1812
Gave both Britain and the U.S. ownership of the Oregon Territory.
Established the 49th parallel as the border between U.S. and Canada
British Fur TradersCanadians explored British Columbia two
years before Lewis & Clark.Hudson’s Bay CompanyBuilt new fort near mouth of Willamette River
called Fort Vancouver.Main business of forts was trading for furs. Beaver fur was very popular and used for
hats. Beavers were almost hunted to extinction.
Fur Trade EndsBy late 1840’s the fur trading era was over. Fur-bearing animals were nearly gone. Styles had changed.Pioneers were moving into the area.