Road Behind And Sea Beyond
Posted by: 
Volcanoguy
N 44° 08.236 W 124° 07.612
10T E 409862 N 4887736
This history sign is located in Devils Elbow State Park.
Waymark Code: WMJ7TA
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 10/07/2013
Views: 2
This sign is located along the trail to Heceta Head Lighthouse in Devils Elbow State Park.
Marker Name: Road Behind And Sea Beyond
Marker Text: This headland has attracted and challenged centuries of travelers.
For centuries, Siuslaw, Yachats and Alsea Tribes were drawn to the rich marine resources at Heceta Head. As they hunted, fished, and traveled, they established trails. In the 1800s, many of those ancient paths were turned into wagon roads by Euroamerican settlers.
Where they could, 19th-century travelers took to the beaches -- the “expressways” of the era. It wasn’t all smooth riding though. When they came to headlands, beach travelers had to choose: make a risky low-tide dash around, or clamber up and over. Here at Heceta Head, travelers went upland, following a wagon road that passed just below the lightkeepers’ houses.
You are following the concrete trail along the cliff that the lightkeepers used to get to work day and night. The wooden boardwalk was replaced in the 1920s with the concrete path. The boardwalk had a handrail to hold onto and help show the way in the fog and at night.
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