People

Chief Joseph

The Columbia River has a rich Native American history which dates back over 9,000 years. The many tribes of Indians who have lived along this river have seen drastic changes throughout those years, but most would say that the largest catalyst for change was the arrival of European settlers.

 

Explorer David Thompson

David Thompson passed through the region, now part of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, almost 190 years ago. Originally from London, England, he came across the Atlantic at the young age of 14 to work for the Hudson's Bay Company in 1784.

 

Asian Pacific Pioneers Along the Columbia River

Dramatic cultural variations in way of life, language, religion, customs and world view were an important part of life in many eastern Washington communities along the Columbia River. As the pioneers persisted and struggled to build new lives for themselves, part of the struggle often involved discrimination, oppression and exclusion directed at people who were racially different.