The Astoria Column, Coxcomb Hill, Astoria, Oregon

The Astoria Column is one of 12 historic markers created by Ralph Budd, in part to create a destination for his Great Northern Railroad. Budd hired Electus Litchfield to be the chief architect on the project and they agreed that Coxcomb Hill, Oregon would be the perfect location due to its wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean, Mount Rainier, the Columbia River and downtown Astoria.

The column was built in 1926 and is decorated with a series of illustrations telling the history of Oregon from the early wildlife, native people, the arrival of Capt Robert Gray, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Pioneers and the arrival of the railroad (of course). The column is made of concrete and is patterned after Trajan’s Column in Rome. It’s 125 feet high but after climbing the 164 steps to the top you’ll find a commanding view over 600 feet above the ocean. Italian artist Attilo Pusterla used a technique called sgraffito to make the “cartoons” surrounding the column.

The column fell into disrepair due to the harsh Pacific Northwest weather, the Great Depression and World War II. Restoration started in the 1980s and today the monument is a rather fascinating look at Oregon’s history.

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 volcano, Mt. Rainier in the Cascade Range rises to the east and Saddle Mountain reaches to the sky on the southern horizon.