Prior to white contact, the Waldport area was home to the Alsi (Alsea) Indians. The bay and river got its name from the Indian word Alsi, which means peace. During the winter, extended families lived in large plank houses located around the lower Alsea estuary. From these small villages, they traveled to campsites between Seal Rock and Tenmile during the year to fish, hunt and collect shellfish and plants in season.

The first white settlers floated down the Alsea River, bringing all their food and building supplies by canoe and homemade boats to Waldport.

Salmon fishing was a major part of early Waldport history. Native villages in 1888 shared the bay with salmon canneries. The fishing nets were made by hand and repaired with the wood needle. In 1937, 137,304 pounds of Chinook salmon were netted. Commercial fishing was closed in 1957, leaving the salmon for sport fishing.

For more information contact:

ALSI HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY
Waldport Heritage Museum
320 N.E. Grant Street, Old Town Waldport; 
phone:  (541) 563-7092; 
Free Admission. Open Friday, noon to 4:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm  
For more information, or to make an appointment, call 563-3323 or 563-2301