Capt. John Meares, an English trader, explores the Strait of Juan de Fuca and named Cape Disappointment, having missed the entrance to the Columbia River.

Capt. John Meares sighted Willapa Harbor and gave it the name of Shoalwater Bay.   He also named Cape Shoalwater, stating that it might be at the entrance to the mighty river.

A group of settlers met on Cowlitz Prairie to ask Congress to create a separate territory north of the Columbia River.

On Shoalwater Bay Capt. Russell shipped the first oysters to San Francisco.

The Robert Bruce is burned causing the first settlement on the bay to be established.  It was known as Bruce Boys' Camp, then Bruceville, and finally Bruceport.

Capt. David K. Weldon on the Brig Oriental took up a claim on the point of land now known as Hawks Point.  He built his home at the mouth of North River.  His wife came up from San Francisco and was the first white woman to make her home on the bay.

James G. Swan recorded his claim at the mouth of Bone River.  He later wrote a fine historical book called "Three Years on Shoalwater Bay."

Joel Brown, who lived in what is now Bay Center, was elected to attend the Washington Territorial Legislature but died of pneumonia.  Then Jehu Schudder was elected but died on the way to Olympia.  Henry Fiester was the third person chosen and served only one day and died.  Finally James Strong, a resident of Cathlamet, served the term.

The Washington County of Chehalis (now Grays Harbor) was created and included the northern part of present Pacific County.  First commissioners met at Capt. Weldon's home at Hawks Point.  Later meetings were held at Bruceport.

The Keil Colony arrived and buried Willie Keil at Giesy's Crossing farm.

County seat changed to Oysterville by vote of the people.

The town of Ilwaco incorporated.

After a dispute over an election to change the County seat, two South Bend steamers came to Oysterville and took the county records to South Bend.