Knappton Cove Heritage Center
The Historic Columbia River Quarantine Station
2026 Season Schedule
Open House Events --Free Admission!
Special Events
Open House
Monday, May 25
1-4 pm
'I Smell a Rat'
2 pm Program
How Smallpox Inoculation
Changed History!
Come hear how a mass smallpox inoculation campaign was a risk General George Washington took that helped us win our fight for independence! You may also catch a glimpse of our very own Rodent of Unusual Size defending himself against being blamed for the spread of smallpox. Pick up your limited edition rat pin while supplies last!
Collections Spotlight from the Logbook:
1908
Smallpox at Knappton Cove!
Saturday July 11 | 10-4
Sunday July 12|10-3
Living History Encampment
Lemonade Social | Saturday - 2 PM
Interact with the Pacific NW Living Historians as they interpret topics from the Lewis & Clark Expedition. And, while you're learning something new about life in 1805, sip some lemonade and hear about what's new at Knappton Cove.
OPEN HOUSE | 1-3
"Horriable Day" &
Veterans Day
Sunday, November 8
Join us for blustery weather and hot cider & history!
* EXPLORE the MUSEUM *
1912 USPHS Quarantine Hospital
* STROLL the GROUNDS *
Where History Happened!
*COME to a SPECIAL PROGRAM*
Join Our Email List for Updates
Pictures below from Past Programs
Should You Wear a Mask?
COVID (or any infectious disease) Precautions: While we are no longer requiring masks inside the museum, face masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against any infectious disease. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.
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)
Address:
521 WA State Rte 401
(See 'How to Find Us' page for detailed information)
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 