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Umpqua River Light House...
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Access to the rugged Oregon Coast was easiest by ship; however, unmarked obstructions made for dangerous sailings. Congress realized the importance of the maritime industry throughout the U.S.; therefore, appropriating millions of dollars for the construction of light houses. Due to the high volume of settlement traffic, the Oregon Coast was an important facet for Congress. Light Houses were a necessity if settlements in Oregon continued.
Umpaqua River Light House ONLY Lasted Six Years... The Umpqua River Light House, constructed in 1857, became the victim of the Umpqua River. If you know anything about rivers, and building on a flood plain, you understand the powerful forces of nature. In the Northwest, it's common for rivers to crest their banks and flood. Especially in the 1800's with no flood control in place. The Umpqua River Light House was constantly succumbed to the raging river waters. Eventually the river won, causing the destruction of the Umpqua River Light House. The Umpaqua River Light House was also the first light house with a flashing red and white light. Technology was improving with each passing day. It was also the second light house marking a river's entrance. Umpqua River, a Promising Place to Settle... California investors were always on the lookout for opportunities. They had scouts scouring the Oregon countryside looking for the "Promised Land". In 1850, some investors took the advice of their scouts to check out the Umpqua River Valley. They sailed their way along the Oregon Coast, up the Umpqua River and were very impressed. They laid claims to lands in this fertile valley and hastily returned to San Francisco to promote their new found investment opportunities. Ads were run in newspapers looking for land buyers for the Umpqua River Valley. Within a month new landowners were heading out of San Francisco to the Umpqua River Valley. They sailed on the Bostonian. Crossing the Umpqua River's sand bar was a challenge for the Bostonian. The river and bar eventually won, wrecking the Bostonian. Soon to follow was the Kate Health. The ship ran aground on the sand bar. Bostonian crewmembers went to help and drowned when their small boat was capsized. Build a Light House... The Umpqua River was a dangerous entry way into the fertile Umpqua River Valley; however, this did not stop the settlers. They continued to arrive building the settlement, Scottsburg. Congress was getting the pressure for a light house to mark the Umpqua River's entrance. Finally in 1852 Congress authorized construction. It wasn't until 1855 that construction began. Due to severe Oregon Coast weather, it took two years to complete the construction of the Umpqua River Light House. The light was lit on October 10, 1857. Build Another Light House... The flood of February 8, 1861 and storm of October 1863 led to the dismay of the original Umpqua River Light House. The structure was literally tottering and eventually fell to the ground. Before it's collapse, the Light House Board had recognized the need for a new light house; however, it wasn't until 1888 Congress approved the construction of a new light house. During the thirty-year gap, without a light house marking the entrance to the Umpqua River, ships continued to enter the river. Scottsburg began to decline as an important Port Landing. Land restrictions made it harder for settlers and investors. The Light House Board concern was the markings along the entire Oregon Coast. Ships sailing along the coast could literally sail from one point of light to the next, thus having the ability to chart their course. The former Umpqua River Light House location only provided light to ships entering the river area. It did not provide the needed navigation aid for mariners sailing along the coast. The Light House Board looked for another location, one safe from the Umpqua River's flood waters and a site that allowed mariners to see a light from sea. A site was chosen, 100-feet above the river. March of 1892 construction began at the new location. Despite numerous financial difficulties, the Umpqua River Light House was lit on December 31, 1894. It flashed a white light twice, then red, every fifteen seconds. The Umpqua River was marked again! Flashing Lights Help Mariners Navigate... As technology developed, flashing lights became apparent with the Light Houses along the Oregon Coast. The flashing light aided mariner's simply because they knew what light house they were sighting. For example, the Umpqua River Light House flashed a white light twice, then red, every fifteen seconds. A mariner would know ahead of time the flashing sequence of every light house. They merely searched out the light beacons while at sea, notice the light house flashing sequence, cross-reference it in their charts and presto they know what light house they are looking at, consequently their location too. This technology is still used today. Lighted marker buoys will display a certain flashing sequence. The mariner simply cross-references the flashing sequence with the charts and knows what buoy their vessel is near. Umpqua River Upgrades... For eighty-nine years the red and white light guided mariners along the Oregon Coast and into the Umpqua River. November 1983, the turning mechanism broke-down. The light did not turn, thus unable to send it's unique red and white beam of light out to sea. The Coast Guard temporarily replaced the old mechanism. January 1985 the old mechanism was restored. Umpqua River Light House was back on duty, full-functioning. Take the Visit... Be sure to visit this unique piece of history, the Umpqua River Light House. Just south of Florence is the town of Reedsport off Highway 101. Enter Reedsport, heading south on 101 about 6-miles. Turn into Umpqua River State Park. It's fairly easy to find, simply follow the signs. Be sure to check out the Oregon Coast for more tips. Enjoy the Umpqua River Light House, Contact us regarding any further information you may have about the Umpqua River Light House, we reveal the FACTS. Craig Dahl - Senior Editor Return to Northwest Travel Tips We're also the Senior Editors for Abolish Back Pain and Luxury Romantic Vacations; we've brought the Best of the worlds together, Love, Health & Travel.
