Enjoy a 90 Minute Walking Tour of Oysterville Sea Farms Interpretive Center, Production Facilities. You will go out on to the beds to learn about the area, oysters and how they sustainably farm oysters. Further, you also get to shuck them and eat them! Your choice as to putting them on the BBQ or eating them raw from the half-shell. Sign up and enjoy!
Oysterville Sea Farm is located in Oysterville WA. This historic community is located on the Long Beach Peninsula in Pacific County, Washington, United States. The town established itself in the mid-19th century and has a rich history tied to the oyster industry. In fact, this was once the primary economic activity in the area.
Here’s a brief overview of the history of Oysterville:
- Early Settlement: The area around Oysterville originally inhabited the Chinook people. These early settlers thrived on the abundant natural resources of the region. In the mid-1800s, European settlers began to arrive. They were drawn by the fertile land and the abundant oyster beds in nearby Willapa Bay.
- Oyster Industry: Oysterville was founded in the 1850s as a bustling oyster harvesting and processing center. By the time, the town quickly grew as oyster farming became a significant industry in the region. Oysterville Sea Farm’s prime location on Willapa Bay made it an ideal spot for harvesting oysters. Local producers shipped these oysters to markets around the United States
- Boom Years: During its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Oysterville was a thriving community. With a school, churches, stores, and a post office, the town boasted a population of several hundred people. Oysterville was known as one of the most important oyster-producing centers on the West Coast.
- Decline: The oyster industry in Oysterville began to decline in the early 20th century. This was due to over-harvesting, pollution, and changes in industry practices. Additionally, the development of alternative industries and transportation methods contributed to the town’s decline.
- Historic Preservation: Despite its decline as a commercial center, Oysterville Sea Farms has retained much of its historic charm. Oysterville designates the town as a National Historic District in 1970. They preserved or restored many of its original buildings. Today, Oysterville is a quiet residential community with a small population. It still attracts visitors interested in its rich history and picturesque surroundings.
History Loves Oysterville Sea Farms
Overall, Oysterville’s history closely ties itself to the rise and fall of the oyster industry in the Pacific Northwest. Today, Oysterville remains a vital center for oyster farming. With modern processes like Oysterville Sea Farms continues the tradition of sustainable aquaculture while embracing advancements in technology. Oysterville stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of innovation and perseverance in the Pacific Northwest’s seafood industry. This adventure is about 11 miles away from the Lighthouse Oceanfront Resort on the drive Bay side the Peninsula.