United States Lightship Columbia and its collection

United States Lightship Columbia
Source

The United States lightship Columbia (WLV-604) is a significant part of maritime history. It was put into service in 1951 for the United States Coast Guard at the mouth of the Columbia River. This lightship played a crucial role in guiding ships through the Columbia River's sandbank and an area known as the Pacific Graveyard.

The Fourth and Last Lightship

The Columbia was the fourth and last lightship stationed at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was built by the Rice Brothers Corporation in Boothbay, Maine, and launched with its twin ship, Relief (WLV-605). The new WLV-604 replaced the aging LV-93, which had been in service on the Columbia River since 1939.

Columbia as a Museum Ship

The Columbia is now a museum ship, displayed at the Columbia Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 17, 1978, and named a National Historic Landmark on December 20, 1989. The Columbia is located next to the navigation buoy that replaced it in 1979.

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FRColumbia (WLV-604)
ENUnited States lightship
ENLightship Columbia (WLV604)

Science & Technology Science & Technology History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Maritime Industrial heritage

United States Lightship Columbia
1792 Marine Dr
OR 97103 Astoria
Oregon

Visitor information United States Lightship Columbia

Opening hours

Monday
9:30 – 17:00
Tuesday
9:30 – 17:00
Wednesday
9:30 – 17:00
Thursday
9:30 – 17:00
Friday
9:30 – 17:00
Saturday
9:30 – 17:00
Sunday
9:30 – 17:00

Admission

0 – 5Free
6 – 17US$8.00
18+US$18.00
65+US$15.00
Active Duty MilitaryFree
College Students (18+) with IDUS$15.00
MembersFree

Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of United States Lightship Columbia.

Location & Map

1792 Marine Dr, Astoria

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Exhibitions

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United States Lightship Columbia Reviews

United States Lightship Columbia has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The United States Lightship Columbia in Astoria, Oregon offers visitors a look into maritime history. This retired lightship, now a museum, provides insight into the life and work of lighthouse keepers. Visitors can explore the ship's quarters, engine room, and learn about its role in guiding vessels along the Columbia River. The museum's exhibits explain the ship's history and significance in maritime navigation. While some visitors appreciate the historical value and authenticity of the vessel, others note that the tour is relatively brief and the exhibits could benefit from more detailed explanations. The outdoor location on the Columbia River offers good views, but it also means the experience can be affected by weather conditions. Overall, it's an informative stop for those interested in nautical history, though it may not appeal to all visitors equally.

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  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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