By Contributing Writer
Cannon
beach, Oregon, is located along the Pacific Ocean. Cannon Beach has a population of nearly 1,600. Today, Cannon Beach is a popular destination for tourists while the town's history involves famous names from the country's past.
The Area
Cannon Beach is located along Oregon's Glatsop County. Glatsop County is part of Oregon's northern coast. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west of Cannon Beach while Highway 101 borders Cannon Beach to the east. Cannon Beach is located 200 miles south of Seattle, Washington, and 75 miles northwest of Portland.
Exploration
American explorer William Clark traveled to the area near modern-day Cannon Beach in 1806. Clark and his party, which included Sacagawea, found native Americans (Tillamook, Nehalem) processing a whale on the beach for use during the winter.
Names
Clark soon named the beach and the surrounding area "Ekoli." Ekoli was a native American word for whale. The area has also been known as Ecola and Elk Creek. In 1922, the town officially became known as Cannon Beach.
Why Cannon Beach
On Sept. 10, 1846, the navy vessel "The Shark" sank near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. In 1898 one of The Shark's cannons was found on the beach in Ekoli. The beach was then renamed for the discovery.
Cannon Beach Today
Tourism is Cannon Beach's top industry. Cannon Beach is a popular weekend trip for many in the Portland area. Cannon Beach has 4 miles of beach along the ocean. Tolovana Park and Haystack Rock are two of Cannon Beach's main points of interest.
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