Knappton Cove Heritage Center
The Historic Columbia River Quarantine Station
Become a Member!
Simply send your name, address, and membership donation to Knappton Cove Heritage Center, 501 B St., Gearhart, OR 97138. If you would like email updates, you can send us your email, too, or click
the blue button on the left to sign up right away.
The Knappton Cove Heritage Center is a Non-Profit (501 C-3) organization. If you have any questions, please email: knapptoncove@gmail.com
Thank you for your support in preserving this historic site!
Contact Us Today!
Nancy Anderson &
Heather Henry, Directors
E-mail: knapptoncove@gmail.com
Free Admission
2026 Open House Events
- May 25 (1-4)
- July 11 & 12 (10-4)
- August 8 (1-4 pm)
- November 8 (1-3 pm)
Any time you see the 'Open' banner up!
Please Email for Appointment Availability, May-September
$5/person | $25 Minimum
(Free to Members)
Physical Address:
521 WA State Rte 401
(See 'How to Find Us' page for detailed information)
*NEW* Mailing Address:
501 B St., Gearhart OR 97138
Exhibits
- Diggin' into the Past at Knappton Cove (Archaeological Finds)
- Immigrant Room (Donation Land Claim)
- Cannery Days*
- Quarantined! (U.S. Columbia River Quarantine Station)
- Fishin' in the 50's* (Knappton Cove Camp)
*Click links for
short video exhibit
New Book!
Board Member Friedrich E. Schuler has a new book out, The Nasty Politics of Public Health. The struggle over maritime public health in the Pacific Northwest pitted the U.S. federal government against the State of Oregon. This book explores Dr. Baylis Earle's powerful influence as Master of the Columbia River Quarantine Station from 1900-1906.
By Board Member Friedrich E. Schuler, Professor of History at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Read his interview in the PSU News!
Book Cover
A Shield for the Columbia offers the stories behind the founding of the quarantine station of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) at Knappton Cove, Washington and Astoria, Oregon at the mouth of the Columbia River. It is a compelling account of unlikely political and economic alliances featuring the United States Marine Hospital Service (USMHS), transpacific shipping lines, Astoria's business community, and members of the U.S. Congress.
Print 