PNW History: Seaside, Oregon
By Robert Matsumura, The Mountain Times
Nestled along the North Oregon Coast, Seaside has been luring Oregonians with her maritime charms for well over a century. More than just a beloved tourist destination — it’s a town steeped in history, with roots stretching back generations. From the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the region to its evolution into a coastal resort town, Seaside’s past is a compelling tale of exploration, innovation, and transformation.
Early Inhabitants and the Lewis and Clark Expedition
Long before settlers arrived on the Oregon Trail, the land that would become Seaside was home to the Clatsop people, a Chinookan-speaking tribe who for centuries had thrived off the bounty of the sea, rivers, and forests. The Pacific Ocean provided sustenance — namely salmon and shellfish – and the dense coastal woodlands were plentiful with elk and deer. It was the Clatsop people’s knowledge of the land that was to prove invaluable to the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition when the explorers arrived in the winter of 1805-1806.
With the harsh winter setting in, the Corps of Discovery established Fort Clatsop near present-day Astoria. During their stay, members of the expedition ventured south to what is now Seaside to procure salt from seawater, a vital resource for preserving food. To this day, the site where they boiled seawater is commemorated as the Lewis and Clark Salt Works, a historical landmark that honors both their journey and the indigenous people who provided such invaluable assistance.
Seaside’s Growth and the Rise of Tourism
Drawn by the abundant natural resources and stunning scenery, pioneers began settling the area by the mid-19th century. One of these settlers, Ben Holladay, was a railroad tycoon and over time grew to be one of the most influential figures in Seaside’s development. In the 1870s, Holladay constructed a luxury hotel near the ocean, attracting visitors yearning to experience the pristine beauty of the Oregon Coast.
The town’s name, “Seaside,” originated from another early developer, Alexander Gilbert, who built the Seaside House hotel in 1888. It wasn’t long before his establishment became a popular retreat for Portlanders looking to escape the summer heat. In response to the demand for transportation to the coast, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company soon expanded its rail service to Seaside, further fueling the town’s appeal as a vacation destination.
By the early 20th century, Seaside’s reputation as a premier coastal getaway was well established. The construction of the Promenade, or “Prom,” in the 1920s — a nearly two-mile-long walkway along the beach, inspired by walkways on the East Coast such as the Coney Island Boardwalk — solidified the town’s status as a resort haven. The Prom, still one of Seaside’s most cherished attractions, offers visitors not only a stunning view of the Pacific, but a glimpse into the town’s storied past.
The Automobile Era and the Legacy of the Turnaround
With the rise of the automobile in the early 20th century, Seaside quickly became one of Oregon’s most popular coastal destinations. The completion of the Oregon Coast Highway (now U.S. Route 101) in the 1930s made access to Seaside easier than ever before. One of the most famous landmarks from this era is the Turnaround, a circular drive at the heart of the Prom where vehicles can loop around before heading back inland. A statue of Lewis and Clark stands at the center of the Turnaround, commemorating their salt-making expedition and celebrating Seaside’s historical relation to these intrepid explorers.
In 1949 the Sunset Highway (U.S. Route 26) was completed by the WPA (Works Progress Administration), and the Civilian Conservation Corps. This highway made access to the North Oregon Coast and Seaside easy, efficient and directly accessible from the Portland Metropolitan Area. The Sunset Highway was named in honor of the 41st Infantry Division — which was primarily drawn from Oregon — and utilized their sunset insignia. The name was likewise inspired by the fact that the highway leads toward the setting sun.
During the postwar years, the town enjoyed an influx of new businesses, from seafood restaurants to amusement centers, all catering to the explosion of new visitors to the area. Seaside’s reputation as a fun, family-friendly destination burgeoned throughout the mid-20th century, making it a staple of Oregon’s coastal tourism industry.
Seaside Today: Preserving the Past While Embracing the Future
Despite Seaside’s continued evolution, it has still managed to retain its charm and historical significance. The town remains a bustling tourist destination, attracting visitors with its stunning beaches, iconic Promenade, and lively downtown. Attractions such as the Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, and the annual Miss Oregon Pageant help preserve the town’s cultural heritage.
While there is much that is new in Seaside, the city has worked hard to preserve its history. The Seaside Historical Society Museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the town’s past, showcasing exhibits on indigenous culture, early settler life, and the legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Events like the Lewis and Clark Salt Makers reenactment help bring history to life, allowing visitors to witness a recreation of the salt-making process.
A Coastal Treasure with Timeless Appeal
Seaside’s history is a story of resilience, adaptability, and enduring appeal. From its indigenous roots and ties to Lewis and Clark to its rise as a premier resort town, Seaside has continually reinvented itself while maintaining ties to its historical past. Whether strolling along the Prom, exploring the salt works, or simply enjoying the Pacific breeze, a visit to Seaside allows one to experience a place where history and natural beauty come together in seamless harmony. For Oregonians and visitors alike, Seaside remains a beloved coastal gem, rich in heritage and abundant in a timeless charm that never gets old.