Finishing a Log Raft on the Columbia River - c. 1900

This well-composed view of a cigar-shaped log raft was taken by John Ford on the lower Columbia, the area where he created most of his photos. The huge chains used to bind the raft together are clearly visible. To the right a thick tow rope rests on a small barge, and the steam-powered derrick used to build the log raft sits behind it. Most of these log rafts were bound for California, many to the San Diego area. -- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.