Oregon Experience: The River They Saw

Bonneville Dam

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been active in the Columbia River Gorge since the late 1870’s, when it undertook the construction of the Cascade Locks.

Various photographers working for the Corps have taken many fine photographs over the years. “Ostensibly, they were made for engineering reasons, and they have this kind of documentary value.  They (the photographers) could have done that without making images anywhere near that good.” – Terry Toedtemeier

These photos, all by unknown Corps of Engineers photographers, were made between 1933-1935, during the construction of Bonneville Dam.