Pacific Ocean in Oregon

Despite the “constant” rain here in Oregon, especially during the winter, we do occasionally have those really nice days. When we do, everyone heads to the Coast to better enjoy the weather. Granted, it’s still cold or windy enough that a coat is still needed. But everyone is out enjoying the sun break as much as they can.

This was at the Columbia River South Jetty which is apparently one of my favorite photo spots based on the number of pictures I’ve taken here over the years.

To the south is Battery Russell, part of Fort Stevens. During World War II, this location was fired upon by a Japanese Submarine. While no shots hit the Fort itself, nor was the fort able to fire back due to the distances, it did become the first and only location in the Continental US to be fired upon during the War. A very good book called “Panic! at Fort Stevens,” goes into great depth about this incident.

If you drive south from Fort Stevens towards Seaside, there is a small wayside the commemorates this event. One of the shell craters is marked with a granite Oregon sign, and a bench to sit and contemplate the event.

It says “On June 21, 1942 a 5.5″ shell exploded here, one of 17 fired at Columbia River harbor defense installations by the Japanese Submarine I-25. The only hostile shelling of a military base on the U.S. Mainland during World War II and the first since the War of 1812.”