Started during the Spanish-American War and completed in 1904 atop Chinook Point overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River, Fort Columbia is one of the best-preserved historic coastal defense sites remaining in the Northwest. Fort Columbia Interpretive Center, housed in the former barracks, has exhibits on local Chinook Indian culture and the daily operations of the fort. The handsome two-story Commanding Officer's House has been restored to reflect the tastes and lifestyle of a military officer in the early part of this century.