USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Through the early 1840s, some emigrants built rafts and floated the Columbia from Fort Walla Walla to The Dalles, while others went overland to that location. Until 1846, when an overland route was developed, everyone had to float the river from The Dalles to Fort Vancouver.

Detailed explanation-2: -Originally called “Rio de San Roque” by Spanish explorers, in 1792 the river was renamed “Columbia” by Boston fur trader Robert Gray, who named it after his ship.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Columbia River is the largest river system in the Pacific Northwest, originating in Canada and flowing 1, 253 miles to the Pacific Ocean. The river originates in Columbia Lake in British Columbia, 2, 690 feet above sea level. The lower Columbia River flows 146 miles from Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Columbia is one of the world’s greatest sources of hydroelectric power and, with its tributaries, represents a third of the potential hydropower of the United States. In addition, its mouth provides the first deepwater harbour north of San Francisco.