Astoria Column Will Celebrate 100 Years of Being an Oregon Coast Icon in July

Published 03/19/26 at 6:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) - The Astoria Column, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognizable landmarks, will reach its 100th anniversary in July 2026, marking a century since its dedication in 1926. Now, it is the defining (and arguably the darling) symbol of Astoria and the Columbia River region. (Oregon Coast Beach Connection photo)

Now, as the north Oregon coast landmark reaches that benchmark, it's no small amount of irony it came about through the centennial celebrations of Astoria's existence way back then.

Completed in 1926 and modeled after Rome’s Trajan Column, the 125-foot monument was created to honor the founding of Astoria, the oldest permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rockies. It would also set in stone (or plaster, anyway) the broader history of the Pacific Northwest. Its spiral sgraffito mural, the only one of its kind in the world, illustrates key chapters in regional history, including Indigenous heritage, early exploration, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the growth of the American West.

During this century – and partially due to the harsh Oregon coast climate – she has needed makeup now and then. Preservation of the Column has been guided for decades by Friends of the Astoria Column, co-founded in 1988 by Portland business leader Jordan Schnitzer. The group led two major restorations: a 1995 project that revived the fading mural with the help of international conservation experts, and a 2015 effort that stabilized structural cracking, cleaned the exterior, repaired the plaza, and improved the surrounding grounds.

According to the group, Schnitzer’s family ties to Astoria date back to 1905, when his grandfather, Sam Schnitzer, began the family’s recycling business by collecting scrap materials throughout the city.

“For me, the Column represents the dream of coming to America,” Schnitzer said. “This majestic site is the farthest west you can go in this country - the land of all of our dreams.”

Standing atop Coxcomb Hill, the Column makes for sweeping views of the Columbia River, Youngs Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding forests. The soaring place has become a generational destination for families, school groups, and visitors from around the world.

Look for the massive party in July.

Centennial Celebration - July 18th. 11 am - 4 pm.

Astoria Column Rededication - July 18th. 2 pm

Centennial events planned for 2026 will highlight the Column’s legacy and invite new audiences to engage with Astoria’s past. A multicultural community celebration will feature entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and local heritage groups. A rededication ceremony will also take place at the base of the Column, with additional events scheduled throughout the year. Also see Astoria's Pigeon Steps a Quirky but Scenic Walk of Oregon Coast History

The Column was originally financed by the Great Northern Railway and the City of Astoria as a way to promote tourism and commemorate the region’s historical significance. A lot of funding also came from centennial events at the time which raised money. See Beginnings, Inspirations of the Astoria Column - N. Oregon Coast History

A century later, it continues to serve that purpose as both a work of art and a storytelling landmark.

“The Astoria Column reminds us that history is something we can experience, not just read about,” said Mac Burns, executive director of the Clatsop County Historical Society and Friends of the Astoria Column. “As we mark this milestone, we invite everyone to visit, reflect, and celebrate 100 years of this extraordinary monument.”

More information about centennial events is available at www.astoriacolumn100.org or by emailing inf@AstoriaColumn100.org.

Hotels in Astoria - Where to eat - Astoria Maps and Virtual Tours

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