Astoria Column
The Astoria Column has served for over 80 years as a beacon on the Pacific Northwest Coast. It sits in a wooded area 600 feet above sea level on Coxcomb Hill, Astoria, Oregon's highest point. Majestic views of the countryside surrounding Astoria are the great Pacific Ocean to the west and the mighty Columbia River to the north. Snow-capped volcanoes of the Cascade Range rise to the east and Saddle Mountain reaches to the sky on the southern horizon. The story behind the Column, its deterioration and rescue by the Friends of Astoria Column, rivals the history it depicts. Learn more about its past and become part of its future by highlighting the topics on the left side of this screen.
A COLUMN OF FACTS
- Patterned after Trajan's Column, Rome, Italy
- Constructed of: Concrete
- Depth of foundation: 12 feet
- Elevation, Coxcomb Hill: 600 feet
- Height: 125 feet
- Number of steps: 164
- Number of cartoons: 12
- Number of brown figures: 200
- Length of artwork, unwound: 500+ feet
- Decoration at top: State seal of Oregon
- Completed in 1926
- Dedicated July 22, 1926
- Original cost: $27,133.96
- Weather repair: 1936
- Friends formed: 1988
- Column restoration: $1 million 1995
- Plaza restoration & lighting: $2 million 2004
Visitors are welcome from dawn until dusk. We are prepared to support large and small school and tour groups. The Astoria Column area can accommodate up to 400 youngsters and adults. We have parking for ten tour or school buses, restroom facilities, and there are garbage and recycling cans. We have trained docents to speak to groups as needed and there are picnic tables on the lawns for meals. Our gift shop offers sundries and merchandise including the popular balsa wood gliders to be launched from the top of the Column viewing platform.
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