The Final episode in our series on the Columbia. In this episode we will explore the most important moment of Robert Gray's career, analyze the man who was the first American to sail around the world, as well as catch up with Kendrick, and clo

Voyage of the Columbia - Part 5

Jan 14th, 2024 20m 18s

Continuing the fur trading ventures of the ship Columbia. In this episode, Robert Gray departs as the commander of the expedition. He reunites with an old comrade and finds himself in his most dangerous situation yet...email history.pnw.po

Voyage of the Columbia - Part 4

Dec 14th, 2023 15m 35s

In this episode, Robert Gray finally returns home to Boston. He arrived as the first American to circumnavigate the world, and would leave Boston again to change Pacific Northwest HistoryAttoo's Mahiole (feathered helmet)Email: history.pnw.p

Voyage of the Columbia - Part 3

Nov 22nd, 2023 16m 30s

A new trading season began in the Spring of 1789. Gray was determined to make this venture work and bring a bundle of furs to the Chinese Markets. The British were still in the are, but Gray would find himself on the brink of an international

Voyage of the Columbia - Part 2

Nov 11th, 2023 15m 17s

We continue to follow the expedition of John Kendrick and Robert Gray. When last we left them, they had rounded Cape Horn but were separated. Robert Gray was bent on reaching Nootka Sound alone and carrying out his mission.email: history.p

Voyages of the Columbia - Part 1

Oct 25th, 2023 13m 38s

Robert Gray would become the first American to circumnavigate the globe as well as the 1st non-native to sail a ship up the Columbia River. His exploits would increase American claims to the Pacific Northwest substantially. It all started wit

Controversy at Nootka Sound Part 2

Oct 11th, 2023 12m 13s

John Meares was attempting to avoid fines and fees and establish a trading post at Nootka Sound for his own profit and the British Empire. Jose Esteban Martinez was on his way to erect a fort at the same place. The two empires would nearly co

The Maritime Fur Trade and Nootka Sound Controversy Part 1

Sep 20th, 2023 14m 4s

After Captain Cook's voyage into Nootka Sound, a burgeoning fur trade immerged. Sailors from Russia, Spain, Great Britain, and the United States would sail to Nootka in search of Sea Otter Pelts. World empires would vie to claim Nootka Sound

Soft Gold in Nootka Sound

Sep 6th, 2023 22m 27s

The life of Captain Cook is an impressive one, and he is perhaps one of the greatest navigators to have ever lived. His final voyage of exploration was to be extremely consequential for the Pacific Northwest. His crew traded with the people o

Soft Gold in Nootka Sound

Sep 6th, 2023 7s

Spain Hears a Knock at the Door

Aug 23rd, 2023 18m 53s

With word of Russian fur trapping in the Aleutian Islands as well as the establishment of colonies in Alaska, Spain became very nervous about its place in North America. The viceroyalty decided to organize expeditions up the Pacific Coast to m

Across the Bering Strait

Aug 9th, 2023 16m 40s

In the 1700s, Russia was on the move and keen on keeping up with the other powers in Europe. What started as a voyage to discover the Strait of Anian, led to the establishment of Russian colonies in Alaska, as well as a state chartered fur com

The Fur Empire

Jul 26th, 2023 16m 16s

While the Spanish had dominated South America, the British were establishing a presence in North America. It was in Hudson Bay that the Titan of the fur trade, the Hudson's Bay Company, was founded. That fur trade empire would extend its reac

New World, New Spain, and a Man Named Drake

Jul 12th, 2023 24m 38s

Before any other European power, Spain claimed all of North America as part of its empire. They felt secure in the protections granted by the Treaty of Tordesillas. However, other European powers would come to challenge Spain. Among those ch

Since Time Immemorial

Jun 28th, 2023 23m 7s

Native Americans lived and developed complex civilizations in both North and South America and lived there for over 10,000 years before ever coming into contact with Europeans. The Pacific Northwest was home to many different tribes who lived

Flannels and Rain Right?

Jun 16th, 2023 16m 42s

Welcome to History of the Pacific Northwest! In this very first episode we will look at the Geographic makeup of the Pacific Northwest as well as what the main focus of this podcast will be. The Pacific Northwest story is a long one that reac

Rate