A couple Saturdays ago I posted a "I don't feel like typing Saturdays" post with a picture of the Dismal Nitch and asked if you career was in one? But, because of that post I was asked by many, where it was and what it was all about. I have to admit when I stopped to get that at that sign, I didn't realize how important that spot was in America's history, but instead of what was supposed to be a 30 second stop for a great picture turned in to a 30 minute stop reading up on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
You see the Dismal Nitch was the last stop before the group was supposed to meet up with supply ships off the Pacific Coast, but what Lewis and Clark didn't expect was one of the worst storms to hit the Pacific Coast. This storm trapped them on the Columbia River at a spot they named the Dismal Nitch.
The storm was so bad that the Lewis said it was only the second time he was worried about the corp since the beginning of the trip. The storm was so bad that the group actually did end being stuck on that group of rocks for 10 days and missed the supply ships. They did survive, but barely and thanks to a non-profit group, the last stop before Lewis and Clark reached the Pacific Ocean and reached their exploration goals, the longest stop on their journey has been preserved for others to view.
There are many historical places located around Astoria, Oregon, the Dismal Nitch is just one of them, though located on the Washington side of the Columbia, there are many, many places to stop and find out about Lewis and Clark many with hiking trails and you could easily spend 2-3 days if you want to hit every spot in the area that Lewis and Clark stopped. But, to find out the history of the Pacific Northwest and the journey of Lewis and Clark, I suggest you stop in the the most Northwest point of our state and check out our rich history and what that trip meant to the United States and trade with the east.
Todd
Clark - Broker / Sales Coach
Palazzo Realty Group
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
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©2009 Todd Clark - The story behind the Dismal Nitch
Todd - It sounds like Dismal Nitch has a very interesting history! I just noticed that you posted this in the "Homeschooling in the Rain" group, which I don't think I have joined yet. Headed over to check that out now!
Dismal Nitch, that has a sense of irony and humor both for this community!
Hi Todd,
Thank you for sharing an informative and helpful article.
John Pusa
Jason - You certainly need to check out the group and hopefully add some of your own accounts of homeschooling.
Heather - It certainly got me to stop! How could I not take a picture of the sign, but then to read the history was even cooler. To know that Lewis and Clark almost didn't make it after such a long journey to be so close and then get stuck there for 10 days.
John - If you are ever in Oregon, make sure you stop off in Astoria and SW Washington and check out all the history we have here.
Todd,
"They did survive, but barely and thanks to a non-profit group"
Is this a veiled reference to comparatively primitive indigenous aboriginals?
Bill
Hi Todd...Being an Oregonian and Pacific Northwesterner all of my life...I love this post! We do have a very rich (albeit newer) history than many people realize. Great job!
Todd, I enjoyed the follow-up regarding Nismal Ditch. I did wonder how it got it's name? Our U.S. is packed full of history rich in experiences and culture, by passing it along like this, it is kept alive. Thank you for that!
Todd --- I was one who was curious about Dismal Nitch --- thanks for the follow up on the very interesting spot.
Fascinating lesson in history Todd! The name would also make a great title for a movie or a book!
Hi Todd- Thanks for the history lesson. I didn't know that about the expedition. Someday, I'd like to follow the L&C trail all the way... --Sara
Wow crazy metaphor for this market. Was that non-profit group the federal government with a bail out for L & C. LOL... nice
Todd, we are real history buffs. We have travelled much of the US and visited many national parks and memorials. I don't know how we missed this one.
Thank you Todd for this interesting bit of history. I had not heard of Dismal Nitch before, what a name, though sounds like it's fitting.
Very interesting Todd, a history lesson here in the rain go figure. Sounds like a neat place to visit if one was near by.
Hi Todd...Love history, thanks for the follow up.
Cheers
Parts of the Lewis and Clark story really were dismal. That they survived at all is surprising. That they kept their sense of humor and mental balance is inspiring.
Thanks for the post Todd. I've lived in Oregon for over 40 years and have spent a lot of time in Astoria and Fort Stevens and somehow the Dismal Nitch escaped me.