Postmarked September 5, 1912
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is the oldest functioning lighthouse on the West Coast of the US located on north side of the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment, Washington. and Cape Disappointment Light marks the north side of the Columbia River Bar. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was constructed in 1856 to warn seamen of the treacherous river bar known by then as “the graveyard of the Pacific.” In 1858 a 1600 pound fog-bell was placed on the bluff in advance of the light-tower and sounded during foggy or other thick weather night and day. Its use was discontinued in 1881.
In 1862 during the American Civil War a camp called Post at Cape Disappointment was established. In 1864, the post was renamed Fort Cape Disappointment. Fort Cape Disappointment was renamed Fort Canby in 1875. Cannon placements from Fort Canby can be seen near the lighthouse.