
Oysterville, Washington
Oysterville, Washington, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century. It was founded in 1854 by Isaac Alonzo Clark and Robert Hamilton Espy, who were guided to the oyster beds by a local Chinook Indian named Nahcotta. The town quickly became a hub for oyster harvesting, with oysters being shipped to San Francisco during the 1850s to 1880s.
Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was inhabited by the Chinook people, who had been gathering oysters in Willapa Bay for generations. The town’s name, Oysterville, reflects its primary industry and the abundance of oysters in the region.
Oysterville was once the county seat of Pacific County until 1893, when the seat was moved to South Bend. Despite this, the town has preserved many of its historic buildings, including homes and a schoolhouse from the late 19th century. In 1976, Oysterville was designated as a National Historic District, recognizing its historical significance and helping to protect its heritage.
Today, Oysterville is a quiet, picturesque village with a population of about 20 residents. It remains a testament to the early oyster industry and the rich cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.
This image is best viewed in large screen.
I appreciate your visit and any faves or comments are always greatly appreciated!
~Sonja