Sally’s Well

  About a block up the town hill, as it is called by the citizens of 
Cathlamet, on a side road going up the back street, there is a well 
with a wooden foot bridge across it.  Sally’s Well is named after an 
Indian who was named “Sally” by James Birnie.  Sally was sometimes 
called “Queen Sally” and she often helped Mrs. Birnie with the house 
work and taking care of the Birnie children.  She taught the Birnies 
the Chinook Indian language.  And so for the many kind deeds, Mr. 
Birnie erected a well and name it “Sally’s Well”.

(As transcribed by the Wahkiakum County Historical Society Museum from 
“Candlelight on the Columbia” Being a Collection of Historical 
Incidents and Impressions of Early Cathlamet Days.)