Lewis and Clark reached the mouth of the Columbia November 11, 1805. They speedily found a location about two miles up what is now called the Lewis and Clark river and built Fort Clatsop. Here they spent that memorable winter in comparative comfort. They were busy making maps, completing notes of their long journey, and in exploring the region about them. Some of the party constructed a salt cairn near what is now Seaside. They had hoped that some ship might come into the Columbia upon which they could return without the hard overland trip, but none came. In March, 1806, they left a letter with the Indians to be given to the first American ship in, and on the 23 rd. left Fort Clatsop for their return to St. Louis.
