The Ellis Island of the Columbia

The Ellis Island of the Columbia

We’ve all seen those grainy, black and white films of immigrants packed shoulder to shoulder on steamships pouring into America in the early 1900s. You can see them pass the Statue of Liberty and watch as they file out of the ships and into the long lines awaiting them before they are permitted entry into the United States. But we often overlook the fact that scenes like this were taking place all over the country…not just in New York. In fact, from 1899-1938 one of those places was at Knappton Cove on the Columbia River, right here in Washington State.

SW_QuarantineSign_3There are dozens of things to see and do on the Lewis and Clark Trail Highway in southwest Washington (see here and here for just a few examples), but surely one of the most unique lies just south of a tiny berg called Knappton on the bank of the Columbia River. There, you’ll find the Knappton Cove Heritage Center, a museum and interpretive site dedicated to the 39 years the area spent as a U.S. Public Health Quarantine Station. The mission of the Knappton Cove Heritage Center is to promote, interpret and preserve the history of the historic U.S. Columbia River Quarantine Station – a National Historic Site – with an emphasis on the role of the U.S. Public Health Service.

SW_QuarantineStation_1Buildings on the site were used to quarantine immigrants carrying diseases such as bubonic plague, yellow fever, cholera, smallpox, and typhus just to name a few. Without stations such as those like Knappton Cove, the U.S. – and Washington State in particular – may have suffered through an even greater battle against these deadly diseases in the early part of last century.

SW_QuarantineDock_4The main building faces the river, and when the tide is right you can see the tips of pilings extending far out into the Columbia. Those pilings once supported a wharf used to dock ships and unload passengers for inspection. It’s a fascinating bit of Washington history that could easily be overlooked, so be sure to check the tour schedule or call ahead for an appointment to visit.

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About Washington Our Home

My name is Erich Ebel and I love this state. I’ve lived on the green side as well as the brown side. I’ve navigated the rivers and climbed the mountains. I’ve fished its lakes, hiked its trails, marveled at its geology, and studied its fascinating, storied history. I’ve spent the past ten years discovering and sharing stories about Washington’s history, heritage, and culture. My blog, videos, and podcasts hold a treasure trove of interesting facts, unknown facets, and fascinating tales that help to educate the general public about the privileges of being in Washington. I’m the current chair of the City of Lacey Historical Commission, and previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State Historical Society and Museum. I’ve been a board member for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the History Insider for Scenic Washington magazine.

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