Every walk along the Riverwalk is unique. Rapid shifts in weather, ships moving, minute-by-minute changes in the clouds and the quality of light, seasonal changes, water level changing with the ocean tides, birds and animals migrating – there is always something new happening. You can see plants, birds, maritime artifacts, public art, people, pets, architecture, and the beautiful patina you’ll find in an historical city.

Always a special treat when the Astoria Bubble Collective is creating their gigantic bubbles on the Riverwalk.

© 2025 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Astoria has a story to tell about its history, given that it is the oldest American settlement  west of the Rocky Mountains. Before the American settlement there were Native Americans who lived sustainably in the area for hundreds of years (maybe 10,000 – 20,000 years or more). Women and immigrants have a prominent role in building Astoria – women and Chinese immigrants worked in the salmon canning industry. Immigrants from Finland, Sweden, Norway and other European countries settled in Astoria to become loggers, fishermen, farmers and small business owners.

The Historical Marker Database at hmbd.org. gives a comprehensive list of Astoria’s historical markers. That list includes historical sites that are marked with several types of signage.

The focus of this list is Astoria’s more permanent markers engraved in bronze or brass, or carved in granite or marble. There are a few prominent painted signs thrown in for good measure. I’ve included plaques I see on walks around town. Many are historical, some relate to art installations or early city infrastructure, some commemorate people, places or fraternal groups, and some are purely decorative.

The Barbey Maritime Center for Research and Industry. 2042 Marine Drive (part of the Columbia River Maritime Museum 13-acre campus).

Sign on the Masonic Temple/Masonic Lodge building at 1572 Franklin Avenue. Masons were chartered in 1853 and the Masonic Lodge was completed in 1923. From the Chamber of Commerce website: “During its earlier days, the Lodge was home to several Masonic bodies consisting of the Royal Arch and Cryptic Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection and Eastern Star. As with most Masonic Lodges, many of the areas prominent citizens were members…”

The Astor Library. 450 10th Street.

“Enlightenment for a wave is when it realized it is the water.”

Astoria City WaterWorks constructed in 1895. At the entrance to Shively Park, near 1530 Shively Park Road.

Soldier’s Monument. Located at the intersection of Columbia, Bond, and West Marine Drive. Monument was constructed in 1926 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Commemorates the site of Astoria’s first electric generating station in 1885. Recognizes the contribution of Astoria’s “pioneers of the electric industry”.

A beautiful bronze relief map of the City of Astoria and the surrounding area. Located at the Astoria Column, on the walkway leading to the Column. It was donated in 1966 by the Angora Hiking Club, a group of hiking enthusiasts that has existed in Astoria for over 100 years.

An homage to the Native American Chief Comcomly. Also located at the Astoria Column.

An old marker embedded in a city street.

Explains the art installation titled Light Capsule No. 4. Located at 254 9th Street. For the full effect of this art, visit after dark.

Ft. George garden marker. 1460 Exchange Street.

“Nowhere is it written that you walk grass-strewn meadows while others climb mountains.”

Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. 453 11th Street. Group was chartered in 1891, the second BPOE charter in Oregon.Plaque inside the Elks Lodge commemorating members lost in WWI.Plaque for the Whispering Giant carving. Located on the west end West of town, on the south side of US Hwy 101, about a block east of the traffic circle. Easy to access from parallel Taylor Ave.

6th Street Riverpark Dedication.

Plaque denoting an historic building’s history. 892 Marine Drive. This is the first permanent building to be completed after the historic and catastrophic fire of 1922.

“Dedicated to the people of the Pacific Northwest who work the waters of the world.”

Shively Fountain Restoration plaque. The Shively Fountain is on the Riverwalk under the Astoria-Megler bridge, behind the Finnish Brotherhood building, and adjacent to the Maritime Memorial Park. The original fountain was created in 1906 and this restoration was done for Astoria’s 200th anniversary as part of the Bicentennial events in 2011.
The Warnock Commons & Model Boat Pond, part of the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s 13-acre campus. City of Astoria 17th Street Tour Boat Landing.

“In Remembrance Of Those Colleagues Known To Be Lost On The Bar.” In front of the Columbia River Bar Pilots building on the Riverwalk.

Marker denoting the corner of the Astoria business district that was lost twice to catastrophic fires. “This marker is near the SouthWest corner of the business district of Astoria, Oregon that was destroyed by fire in 1883 and again in 1922.”

Marker for the Patriot Hall building on the Clatsop Community College campus, 1650 Lexington Avenue. The building honors Clatsop County soldiers of all wars. “The Last Full Measure of Devotion”

The location of the first United States Post Office west of the Rocky Mountains, established in Astoria in 1847. Marker is on 15th Street between Exchange and Franklin.

Commemorates the original location of The Astoria newspaper, established July 1, 1873.

Commemorates the women cannery workers who helped build Astoria. On the east end of the Riverwalk, a few steps east of the entrance to Pier 39.

Columbia River Maritime Museum recognition plaque on the CRMM campus.The Fisherman and The Logger.

Pilot Boat Peacock signage at the Columbia River Maritime Museum campus.

Fire Station No. 2. At the fire station building, 2968 Marine Drive (at the intersection of Marine Drive and 30th on the far left of the building).

Even though the building is no longer a bank, The After Hour Depository remains to remind us of the pre-ATM era of banking.

Arcade Building in the Downtown Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sanborn Building in the Downtown Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There are multiple signs and plaques at Fort Astoria located at 1498 Exchange Street, including the Fort Astoria marker. The Fort is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Site of the Original Settlement of Astoria.Daughters of the American Revolution symbol on lower left of the Fort Astoria Settlement plaque.

Signage commemorating Ranald MacDonald, a navigator, whaler, tutor, interpreter, and writer. He was born at Fort Astoria. His father was an officer of the Hudson’s Bay Company and his mother was a Clatsop Chinook, the youngest daughter of the leader Comcomly (his tribute is at the Astoria Column). 

On the bell tower of the Lutheran Church at 565 12th Street.

Captain George Flavel Mansion sign at the Flavel House Museum at 714 Exchange Street.

Also on the grounds of the Flavel House.

The sidewalk adjacent to The Garden of Surging Waves at 1095 Duane Street has Astoria’s history laid out on a timeline. There are several brass elements in the Garden, including engraved quotes.

Outside the Clatsop County Courthouse at 749 Commercial Street.

Plaque inside the Astoria Post Office at 750 Commercial Street.

Plaques inside the Clatsop County Courthouse, 749 Commercial Street. Construction was started in 1904 and completed in 1908.

First Federal Building West of the Rockies.

Two Clatsop County lawyers, Charles Abercrombie and Murray Wheat, were killed in the first World War – this plaque behind the judge’s chair memorializes them.

Engraved bell at Coast Guard building.

Brass plaque decorative feature on a home in Astoria.

Another plaque for art – the Tantler sculpture at Clatsop Community College campus.

Clark Gable (on Exchange, east of 12th).

Engravings that are part of the Maritime Memorial Park on the Riverwalk (10 Bay Street).

Uniontown-Alameda Historic District sign (on the Riverwalk).

Ghader Party signage (on the Riverwalk).

Waterfront Bridges Replacement Project dedication.

Astoria Sesquicentennial (corner of West Marine Dr. and Taylor Street) close to the Welcome to Astoria sign just past the roundabout on the west end.

The Astoria Pioneer Cemetery or ‘Hillside Cemetery 1865-1897’. Located northwest of the intersection of 15th and Niagara.

Shively-McClure National Register Historic District sign, 15th and Jerome.

photos coming soon:

Uniontown Curfew Bell, 301 W. Marine Drive, West Marine Drive near Melbourne (west of the bridge and east of Kick Ass Coffee).

Brass Plaque for the Indian Burial Canoe near the Chief Comcomly memorial at the Astoria Column.

For more information about the designation of downtown Astoria as an historic district: https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/18ddee1b-571f-4abe-ae1f-b80f86de598a

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

When you walk into someone’s home, the things you see give an indication of their personality, interests, tastes, travels, etc. Likewise, walking around Astoria gives a sense of the unique personality of this place. I have come to love the diversity, artistic sensibility, creativity, political activism, and sense of humor that is often evident. I like to keep my eye out for something unexpected that I haven’t see before. I am rarely disappointed!

I photograph from sidewalks; I never intrude onto private property. If a photo is taken indoors, it is a building in Astoria with public access. I might take a picture of something in a window, but again only from the sidewalk and only something intentionally displayed and meant to be seen.

I love to encounter the artistic, philosophical, political, whimsical, humorous, or ephemeral.

So much of life is here for a brief moment and then gone. A quote that resonates: “[The aim of life] was to teach man to concentrate himself upon the moments of a life that is itself but a moment.” — Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

The place to view maritime artifacts in Astoria is the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It is home to artifacts large and small, displayed in the outdoor courtyard and inside the museum. The outside artifacts are popular photo opportunities; people in the photo give perspective to the enormous size of some of them. The fee for entry to the CRMM is well worth the price.

There is also a sizable collection of artifacts in storage. The Maritime Museum is in the process of planning for a second building, Mariners Hall, to get these treasures out of storage and on display to the public. The artifacts are interesting to see, but they really need to be displayed in a way that explains their purpose, history and story – so this new exhibit space is something to look forward to seeing when it opens in 2026.

There is also a full-size ship, the Lightship Columbia, to see, as well as a smaller vessel, the pilot boat Peacock, that sits out of the water on the Maritime Museums’ property.

Things to see on the plaza outside the entrance to the museum.

Here is a brief glimpse of items stored and catalogued, some of which will be displayed in the new Mariners Hall. Can’t wait for these stories to be told, and these items placed in the larger context of Astoria’s maritime history.

At other locations along the Riverwalk.

Here is a large anchor you’ll see driving through downtown.

And you’ll see buoys and anchors in people’s yards all around town.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

There are beautiful tree-lined streets, steep inclines and staircases, and walking paths on city right-of-ways. There are a surprising number of paths that take you through beautiful, mature trees within a short walking distance from downtown.

The Astoria Riverwalk is my favorite path to walk. It is over 6 miles of public access along the Columbia River with so much to see and do along the way. There are some fantastic photos on Facebook at Astoria Riverwalk Fans.

When you get inside, there are walkways and stairways with the beautiful patina that comes with 100 years of history. I like to imagine the life experience of people who have walked here – what have they seen and done in their lifetime, how has Astoria changed and evolved in that time? It makes me happy that some things don’t change. They’re still here. Maybe a bit more timeworn, but still here. 

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

The intricacy and variety in the architecture of homes and businesses in Astoria is fantastic. These are some doorways and entryways that have captured my imagination during walks around town. Every building has a story, with the entrance its opening line.

What attracts my interest? It might be the bright color of a door, the historical architecture, the patina of the hardware, the signage, the beautiful plantings, or a unique archway that makes an entrance memorable. In each case, someone put thought and care into the presentation.

I love a gate, door, or entrance that makes me wonder what’s on the other side.

I capture random images on my walks. What’s fun and interesting is to tour Astoria with architectural historian Eric Wheeler. He speaks about the features that denote specific styles of architecture, the history of Astoria’s buildings and neighborhoods, how architecture evolves from one style to the next, and how architecture is influenced by the broader social-political-cultural environment of a given time in history. Eric’s talks give a meaningful context to a town that has evolved generation to generation, over centuries. I always learn something new from participating in his ‘rambles’ around town.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Even a difficult day holds a moment of joy, as the sun sits low in the sky, lighting up the brilliant color of flower petals in the garden. The brief instant of magic sets things right.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Poem 133: The Summer Day

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean—
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down—
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

—Mary Oliver

If you wonder why you see me walking around town enjoying the beauty of this magical place, idling away an hour or two roaming around taking photos, this poem and quote is your answer. I am practicing keeping my eyes open to the divine and mystical. Practicing paying attention with an open heart. Practicing enjoying and savoring this beautiful and precious life.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Friends laugh when we walk together and say things like, “Carol, did you just take a picture of a dumpster?” and I’ll laugh because my answer is “yes”. The weather created by the Columbia River meeting the Pacific Ocean can be relentless and brutal, creating an opportunity for an exquisite patina to emerge.

Things also look weathered because Astoria has been here a very long time. It was founded in 1811 as the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. What survives here is rugged.

There are parts of Astoria that are picture-postcard perfect. But I’m drawn to the authenticity of the aging and weathering happening here; it has its own beauty apart from the new and pristine. In my daily wanderings I notice and appreciate the Wabi Sabi, the perfectly-imperfect.

Here are glimpses into the beautiful patina of an historic town.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.

Why I look at the sky…

There are days when Astoria has grey skies. Some days a color photograph looks like it was done in black and white. Some days you can’t tell where the water and land stop, and sky begins. But most days have transitions from one weather system to another, giving opportunities to capture clouds, rainbows, and blue skies. The forces of nature are at work here and the resulting skyscapes are a joy. There are days when every glance out the window, or turn in the road on a walk, brings an exciting new vista.

© 2024 Carol Merwin, All Rights Reserved. Images may not be used without permission.