Samuel Elmore Cannery

The Samuel Elmore Cannery was a fish processing facility on the Columbia River waterfront in Astoria that occupied a substantial industrial footprint along the water's edge. The site contained warehouses, processing areas, and cooling equipment designed to handle large quantities of catch.

The facility opened in 1898 as a salmon processing plant and operated continuously for more than 80 years before closing in 1980. During the 1930s, it shifted focus to tuna processing, reflecting changes in market demand and fishing patterns.

The name "Samuel Elmore" honors one of the facility's founders, and visitors can still observe the imposing structure that once anchored the local fishing economy. The plant shaped the rhythm of Astoria's community life for generations and remains a symbol of the region's industrial past.

The site sits directly on the waterfront at Flavel Street and is easily accessible from downtown Astoria. Visitors should know that the area is defined by its riverside location and can be slippery during rain or high water conditions.

The plant was the birthplace of the Bumble Bee tuna brand, which later became a nationally recognized name in American households. This small detail connects an overlooked location with a product familiar to millions.

Location: Astoria

GPS coordinates: 46.19167,-123.84583

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:44