Oregon, Washington and Alaska; Sights and Scenes for the Tourist by E. L. Lomax
page 10 of 76 (13%)
page 10 of 76 (13%)
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SIGHTS AND SCENES IN OREGON, WASHINGTON AND ALASKA. Oregon is a word derived from the Spanish, and means "wild thyme," the early explorers finding that herb growing there in great profusion. So far as we have any record Oregon seems to have been first visited by white men in 1775; Captain Cook coasted down its shores in 1778. Captain Gray, commanding the ship "Columbia," of Boston, Mass., discovered the noble river in 1791, which he named after his ship. Astoria was founded in 1811; immigration was in full tide in 1839; Territorial organization was effected in 1848, and Oregon became a State on 14th February, 1859. It has an area of 96,000 square miles, and is 350 miles long by 275 miles wide. There are 50,000,000 acres of arable and grazing land, and 10,000,000 acres of forest in the State. The Union Pacific Railway will sell at greatly reduced rates a series of excursion tickets called "Columbia Tours," using Portland as a central point. Stop-over privileges will be given within the limitation of the tickets. First Columbia Tour: Portland to "The Dalles," by rail, and return by river. Second Columbia Tour: Portland to Astoria, Ilwaco, and Clatsop Beach, and return by river. Third Columbia Tour: Portland to Port Townsend, Seattle, and Tacoma by boat and return. |
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