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Station Camp Waterfront Park Plans Progress

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The Plan: Station Camp Schematic Design Plan
November 15, 2005 marks the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery encampment at Station Camp. Upon arrival at this site, members of the Corps of Discovery knew they had accomplished the mission set for them by President Thomas Jefferson, Expedition member, Sergeant Patrick Gass, wrote: "we've reached the end of our voyage."

Currently, Highway 101 hugs the shoreline of the Columbia River from the Astoria Bridge to the Fort Columbia Tunnel. A portion of the highway will be realigned to create an approximately nine-acre waterfront park to commemorate this important event in history.

St. Mary's Church, on Highway 101, is preserved and integrated in the design of the park. As a prominent architectural element, the Church helped organize the site into two areas: the functional side and the experiential side. Functional elements such as the parking area and comfort station will be located to the west of the Church. The park's primary visitor experience, including the circuitous path and three primary interpretive spaces will be located to the east of the Church.

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The Section: Upper Overlook- "In Full View"
At the top of a grassy dune, a prominent overlook rewards visitors with the full view of the river and ocean. A backdrop of basalt walls separates visitors from the highway and directs their attention to the magnificent panorama. It was this full view of the great Pacific Ocean that overjoyed the Corps upon their arrival to Station Camp. After 18 arduous months of exploring some of North America's most rugged terrain, the Corps knew they had accomplished their mission.

The Chinook Observer recently printed a short article, "Corp of Discovery's destination: Here" about the importance of Station Camp in the Lewis and Clark tale, and its significance within the scope of national history. Check out the story while it's still available online!

Washington State Historical Society
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Toll-free 1-888-BE-THERE (1-888-238-4373)