The location was traditionally a site of the
Wishram tribe (called "Echeloots" by
Lewis and Clark), who lived on the north bank of the
Columbia River about in both directions from
The Dalles, Oregon. Although the Wishrams were included in the
Treaty of Yakima, they resisted removal to the
Yakama Reservation. Indian burials from Memaloose Island in the Columbia were removed to the Wish-ham Cemetery near Dallesport prior to the filling of
Lake Celilo. The loss of their traditional fishing grounds at Celilo Falls during the construction of
The Dalles Dam in March 1957 dealt both a spiritual and an economic blow to the tribe. Originally called "Rockport" or "Rockland Flats", Dallesport was the site of the first
ferry crossing in the area, beginning in 1854. Rockland Flats was the original seat of Clickitat County (the name of the county was spelled with a "C" until an official name change in 1869), and remained so until 1878.
Riverboat traffic moved up and down the river, but could not pass the falls at the Dalles and
Celilo Falls. Portage was originally via a wagon road circumventing the falls. The
Oregon Portage Railroad allowed passage of goods and travelers by rail beginning in 1863, but shippers chafed at the monopoly. In 1905, Congress approved an canal with
locks on the north shore to bypass the falls. The
Dalles-Celilo Canal opened May 5, 1915. The canal incorporated five locks with a total lift. The canal remained in use until it was flooded by
The Dalles Dam in 1957. The idea of a bridge crossing at this location was broached beginning in the late 19th century, but was not approved until 1947.
The Dalles Bridge remained unbuilt until Congress approved
The Dalles Dam in 1951. The bridge was opened December 18, 1953. ==Resources==