Long Beach Peninsula was home to the Chinook Indians when it was charted by Lewis and Clark in 1805. The area soon became a hub for the export of goods, and later a fishing center owing to the abundance of creatures in the surrounding waters. Oysters were a profitable business for the area until the late 19th century, when the supply was almost obliterated from overharvesting.
Cranberries came next. In 1881, the town of Long Beach began growing them only to have the crops fail within ten years. About 30 years later, the planting was attempted again with improved techniques. Today, Long Beach grows one-third of Washington's total harvest.
The peninsula also became a coastal getaway for eminent Pacific Northwest families, and some of their elegant Victorian beach houses still remain.
All pictures courtesy of the Long Beach Visitors' Bureau
