The Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark that once guided ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River offers an opportunity to hop aboard and see for yourself where the sailors would cook, eat, sleep, and work.
The Lightship Columbia functioned as a floating lighthouse to mark the mouth of the Columbia River from 1951-1979. Since the lightship was essentially a small town anchored 5 miles out to sea, all of the supplies for the crew had to be on board. The lightship had a crew of 17 men who worked 2-4 week rotations, with 10 men on duty at a time. Life on board consisted of long periods of monotony punctuated by fierce storms, particularly in the winter.
UPDATE - Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the lower deck of the Lightship Columbia is closed to visitors.
The Lightship Columbia functioned as a floating lighthouse to mark the mouth of the Columbia River from 1951-1979. Since the lightship was essentially a small town anchored 5 miles out to sea, all of the supplies for the crew had to be on board. The lightship had a crew of 17 men who worked 2-4 week rotations, with 10 men on duty at a time. Life on board consisted of long periods of monotony punctuated by fierce storms, particularly in the winter.
UPDATE - Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the lower deck of the Lightship Columbia is closed to visitors.
HELP SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF THE LIGHTSHIP COLUMBIA
The Lightship Preservation Project involves towing the Columbia to dry dock
to be inspected, cleaned, repaired and repainted from the hull to the masts.
Additionally, the engine room and other areas below deck that have been closed to the public since 1979
will be restored and modified into new exhibit spaces with public access.
We need your support!
Please donate today and help the Museum preserve this most important vessel.
NOTE: Please be sure to use the "Add A Comment" box on the Donation Checkout page to ensure your donation goes to the Lightship Columbia project
Thank you!
The Lightship Preservation Project involves towing the Columbia to dry dock
to be inspected, cleaned, repaired and repainted from the hull to the masts.
Additionally, the engine room and other areas below deck that have been closed to the public since 1979
will be restored and modified into new exhibit spaces with public access.
We need your support!
Please donate today and help the Museum preserve this most important vessel.
NOTE: Please be sure to use the "Add A Comment" box on the Donation Checkout page to ensure your donation goes to the Lightship Columbia project
Thank you!
