The Cascade Locks Historical Museum will bring "Riveting History: 100 Years of the Bridge of the Gods" to the Oregon State Capitol in Salem. It will be on display September 3 through October 1, 2026 as part of the Capitol History Gateway exhibit program.
The exhibit marks a milestone for one of the Columbia River Gorge's most recognizable landmarks: the Bridge of the Gods. The bridge will have officially spanned the river between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Stevenson, Washington, for 100 years as of October 26, 2026. The exhibit traces the bridge's story: from the legend behind its name, the entrepreneurs who backed its construction, the crews who built it, and the century of traffic it has carried since.
“The bridge is an icon: an astounding engineering feat with an interwoven history of commerce, legend, and community," said Janice Crane, Executive Director of the Cascade Locks Historical Museum. "At a century old, the Bridge of the Gods remains a vital artery for regional trade and travel and a memorable part of our destination for visitors from around the world."
The exhibit’s placement at the State Capitol extends its reach well beyond the Gorge, introducing visitors, students, and lawmakers from across Oregon to a structure that has connected the state's communities for a century. The installation is supported in part by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.
Visitors to the Capitol can view "Riveting History: 100 Years of the Bridge of the Gods" free of charge during regular building hours from September 3 through October 1, 2026. A copy of the exhibit is also currently on display at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum during regular business hours, and an online version is available at www.cascadelocksmuseum.org/riveting-history.
The Capitol History Gateway program brings Oregon's history to life at the Oregon State Capitol through events and exhibits highlighting the people, places, and communities that make up the state. The program, including the “Riveting History” exhibit, is funded by the Oregon State Capitol Foundation.
The Cascade Locks Historical Museum is a community history museum celebrating the people of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The museum is located in a 1905 lock tender house in the Cascade Locks Marine Park National Historic Site. The museum is open seasonally from March through October.