Grays Point (Washington) facts for kids
Grays Point is a special spot on the north side of the Columbia River in Washington State, USA. It's the western tip of Grays Bay, where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. This point is covered in trees and rises about 151 feet (46 m) high.
It's located about four miles north of Tongue Point, which is on the opposite side of the river. Grays Point is also about four to five miles from Harrington Point, which marks the eastern side of Grays Bay.
History of Grays Point
Grays Point has an interesting history, especially with famous explorers.
How Grays Point Got Its Name
The area was first mapped and named in 1841 by Charles Wilkes. It was named to honor Captain Robert Gray. On May 11, 1792, Captain Gray was the first European explorer to find a way into the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean. He spent nine days exploring the estuary, trading furs with the local Native American tribes.
Lewis and Clark's Visit
Many years after Captain Gray, another famous group of explorers arrived. On November 8, 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition landed at Grays Point. They were on their long journey west to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition camped there for two nights, just a few days before reaching their final destination on the coast.
