About CPCHS

In the 1800’s, a number of small communities in the Gorge were born when settlers from around the world heard about the availability of homesteads. The first homesteaded settlers arrived by small boats on the shores of the Columbia River. These families farmed, logged and fished to survive in the harsh climate. In order to preserve and share this rich history of the Crown Point country, a dedicated group of individuals in the area established the Crown Point Country Historical Society in the early 1970’s and became a 501c3 in 2004.

We are one of the oldest historical societies west of the Mississippi.

Preserving and sharing the history of Crown Point country, Aims, Bridal Veil, Brower, Corbett, Hurlburt, Larch Mountain, Latourell, Mountain, Palmer Mill, Pleasant View, Springdale, Springfield. And Wasco-Nation – East Multnomah County communities of the past and present. This includes the stories of the people, the industries such as fishing, farming, dairying, logging and lumbering and other businesses, occupations and preoccupations of the people.

From that point forward, the Society has been collecting artifacts, historical photos, a large collection of paintings from local artist Charles W. Post, antique equipment, logging equipment, and other memorabilia. In addition to the museum building, there will be numerous covered outside exhibits to display larger items.

The Society operated a museum in the former Springdale School from March 2001 to December 2010.

Crown Point Country Historical Society purchased the old historical 2.69 Acre Chamberlain Auto Camp property in the heart of Corbett. The old Auto Camp located at 36901 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, Oregon 97019 operated from the 1920’s to the 1950’s. The Crown Point County Museum is a wonderful place to showcase the history of the area plus act as a Travel Information Center by providing free maps and other travel information to visitors.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to gather, preserve and share the history and culture of this beautiful part of the Columbia River Gorge, known to many as Crown Point Country. Our broad focus will foster connections to the industry and craft of its peoples, educate and encourage the community to discover the flora, fauna, heritage and natural resources of the area.

Known to Indigenous peoples as Nch’i-Wana – The Big River, to immigrant settlers as the Columbia River Gorge, and to some local residents today as Crown Point Country, our area, historically, includes both sides of the river and some distance to the north, south, east, and west.

For over 5 decades, Crown Point Country Historical Society members have been collecting and filing information and images, researching family and business connections, and compiling an inventory of historical artifacts. Chronicles of the lives of the peoples of the area include the oral, pictograph and petroglyphic histories of the Indigenous people, the oral, written and pictograph journals of European explorers and traders, and the oral, written, and photographic records of pioneer settlement by people from around the world.

A number of local residents and Society members have published chronicles, articles, and books about the pioneer settlements and the families who immigrated to this area in the early 19th century. A sizable collection of documentation is available illustrating the fishing, farming, logging, and other industries of the area.