News Release
| Release Number: | 07-139 |
| Dated: | 11/8/2007 |
| Contact: | Scott Clemans, 503-808-4510 |
PORTLAND, Ore. – “Wanda West,” a fictitious Oregon Trail traveler from the 1860s, will visit the Bradford Island Visitor Center at Bonneville Lock and Dam on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Throughout human history, the Columbia River has been an important transportation route. However, it could be an equally dangerous obstacle. The river presented a treacherous challenge to Oregon Trail travelers as they were nearing their final destination.
“West,” portrayed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger Jane Jackson, will reflect and reminisce on the hardships, adventures and joys of passing through the Columbia Gorge, using words from emigrants’ diaries, letters and stories.
Her presentations will be at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the theater on the third floor of the Bradford Island Visitor Center. All ages are welcome.
The Bonneville Lock and Dam Visitor Center is located off Interstate Highway 84 at Exit 40, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While at the dam, visitors can also stop by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Fish Hatchery to see how salmon are raised, and visit Herman, the 10-foot-long sturgeon.
For information on this and other events, contact the visitor center at (541) 374-8820, or visit our Web site at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b.