About Us:

The Town of Cathlamet(Kath-LAM-et) perches on a rugged shoreline of the Columbia River in southwest Washington State. Before the Town of Cathlamet came into existence, the area on which it stands was a Native American village occupied by the Wahkiakum tribe. The name "Cathlamet" is said to have come from the local Chinookan language spoken by the tribe that refers to a "rocky stretch of river channel". The Wahkiakum were here when Lewis and Clark passed through on their way to the Pacific Ocean in November 1805 and were here to greet the fur traders who followed. Unfortunately, the traders also brought disease into the villages of the Wahkiakum and by the late 1830's much of the tribe had been decimated. James Birnie, a retired Hudson Bay Company employee, and his wife, Charlotte, brought their ten children to the village of Cathlamet in 1846. It was here that Birnie established a trading post called Birnie's Retreat. Birnie's Retreat soon became a thriving business trading furs, fish and other foods to the river travelers on their way to Astoria. At the time, there were still between three hundred and four hundred Native Americans still inhabiting the village. Charlotte Birnie was of Native American heritage being half Kootenai and half French Canadian and this heritage contributed to good relations with the local tribe who were responsible for much of what the Birnie's traded. The Birnie's were known for their hospitality and soon others began to settle in Cathlamet.

Rose Birnie, sister of James, arrived in Cathlamet in 1850 to teach her brother's now twelve children and became Wahkiakum County's first schoolteacher. She later married a former Hudson's Bay clerk, George Roberts. Their home, built in 1857, is now known as the Julia Butler Hansen Heritage Center and is the oldest home left in Cathlamet. The Cathlamet of today retains it's small town character even as it continues to attract new residents from much more metropolitan areas. Cathlamet is the county seat of Wahkiakum County, was incorporated on February 4, 1907 and remains the only incorporated town in the County. The Elochoman Slough Marina is located in Cathlamet and attracts boaters and fishermen year-round. The old waterfront still boasts a busy tugboat operation and other small commercial fishing companies. Main Street houses an Inn, several restaurants, antique shops, a grocery store, flower shop, pharmacy, banks and other small businesses including the local newspaper, the Wahkiakum County Eagle. The historic Pioneer Church has been preserved by the Pioneer Community Association and can be found directly behind the Town Hall and Library at the east end of Main Street. The Wahkiakum Historical Museum on River Street contains a wonderful accumulation of historical artifacts, photos and more for those who are interested in the areas unique history. Those who visit Cathlamet can expect to encounter friendly, helpful inhabitants who are proud of where they live.