If you’ve ever wondered how the tuna got into the can in your cupboard, a visit to the Hanthorn Cannery Museum in Astoria will answer all your questions. Learn about this region’s long role as a major supplier of processed seafood between 1875 and 1981.
Explore the exhibits to find information about the early history in the Astoria area. Soon after Lewis and Clark arrived at the Pacific Ocean at the end of their famous overland travels, people began to settle along the Columbia River. Astoria became a trading settlement, with salmon fishing a major contributor to the economy. Numerous canneries were established, with Scandinavian, Chinese and other workers engaged in both fishing and processing operations. Once the salmon was depleted, the canneries shifted to tuna production.
Bumble Bee Seafoods may be a familiar name. The brand actually originated in Astoria. In 1899, seven local fishermen formed the Columbia River Packers Association. They acquired fishing vessels, built a cannery in Alaska and expanded operations in Oregon. Notice spots along the Astoria waterfront to see where they had a machine shop, can production facility and warehouse. End at the Hanthorn site, the oldest cannery facility on the river.
See gillnetters, relatively small fishing vessels whose crew braved the rough waters of the river and ocean to catch large salmon and tuna. It was a dangerous operation.
Exhibits show processing and canning equipment, with photographs of the many workers who staffed the operations at its peak. The main museum building was at one time a cold storage facility for the cannery.
Visit the Hanthorn Cannery Museum from midmorning to early evening any day year round. Admission is free but donations are very welcome.
Find the museum on Pier 39 at the far eastern end of the Astoria Riverfront Trolley route. Travel by trolley and enjoy listening to an entertaining history on all of Astoria. It’s also possible to drive to the museum and park on the pier.
Before leaving the pier, stop for a pint of beer at the pub and listen to seals while gazing out at modern commercial boats in the river.
