Potlatch (steamship)

The Potlatch was a sternwheel steamboat that operated on the Columbia River and its tributaries in the Pacific Northwest of North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known primarily as a freight hauler, Potlatch played a crucial role in connecting remote communities and facilitating trade in the region.

Built in 1887 at The Dalles, Oregon, the Potlatch was commissioned by the Oregon Steam Navigation Company (OSN), later becoming part of the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company (OR&N). Its shallow draft design enabled it to navigate the shallower waters of the upper Columbia River and its tributaries, particularly the Snake River, making it suitable for accessing agricultural and mining areas.

The Potlatch was primarily engaged in transporting wheat, livestock, and other agricultural products from the inland regions to the Columbia River, where they could be shipped to larger markets. It also carried supplies and passengers to settlements along the river.

The vessel’s career spanned a period of significant economic development in the Pacific Northwest. As railway lines expanded, the importance of river transportation gradually diminished. The Potlatch was eventually retired from service and, like many of its contemporaries, its physical remains are no longer extant. However, its historical significance lies in its contribution to the development and connectivity of the region during a crucial period.