Historic Hood River
Portage Railway
5-1-2019
Notes
Sometimes we have very little information, and sometimes someone has done all the work to lay it out for us. This view of the portage railroad at the Cascades of the Columbia (now Cascade Locks) has both a caption and and explanation of the caption.
The caption indicates we’re looking at a mule powered portage railroad in 1867. The man on the left is Superintendent Bailey. The handwritten cation explains that the first steam locomotive (the Oregon Pony) served at this location starting in 1862, but that often high water or equipment failure would force them to use mules as a substitute. Therefore the 1867 date is possible.
L.E.
Wasn't this on the Washington side of the Columbia River?
ArthurB
Not this one, l.e.. Apparently there were portages on both sides.
L.E.
Nope, must be Oregon. Joseph Bailey was in charge of the Eagle Creek Sawmill and the Oregon Portage.
Bailey passed away in 1870.
Mrs. Bailey was a sister of John Stevenson, whom we have seen photos of here at HHR. His homestead was at Cape Horn.
Kyle
That's an ooooold photograph.
Chris
If you go to the Amtrak station in Vancouver, WA, there is a historic display that states this site was the first rails set in the Pacific Northwest.
Arlen L Sheldrake
tonight, 7 to 8, cascade locks, marine park pavilion, a presentation on their big plans for a visitor center/museum/Oregon pony complex near the current museum. the Oregon Pony is owned by the Oregon Historical Society and is currently displayed in a small newly renovated building next to the Museum. this is a GREAT photo…long term I am hoping that a new display of the Oregon Pony will include a attached flat car showing how it was used during the portages….
Yes, the Vancouver Amtrak station has a very interesting Ed Austin develop exhibit….
Timely posting Arthur!!!! Arlen
Kenn
Wood rails?