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On the Washington side of the Columbia, was armed with smoothbore cannons to protect the mouth of the Columbia River from enemies. Three years later, in 1865, Fort Stevens, complete with a moat and drawbridge, was established on the Oregon side. In 1875, Fort Canby came into existence to improve the defense of the Columbia. In 1896, Fort Columbia was built, and in 1897, Fort Stevens was enhanced. The mouth of the Columbia River was now protected with three forts.

The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was established in 1856, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast of the United States. Its creation was prompted by the treacherous waters of the Columbia River Bar, known for its dangerous currents and frequent shipwrecks. The lighthouse was built to guide vessels safely through these perilous waters, and its light has been a beacon of hope for mariners for over a century.