The Columbia River: Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce

"The Columbia River: Its History, Its Myths, Its Scenery, Its Commerce" by William Denison Lyman recounts the story of the Columbia River, weaving together its stunning geography, historical events, and fascinating myths from Native American tribes. Written in the early 1900s by a history professor, the book intends to show general audiences the natural beauty and important past of this North American waterway. At its core is the captivating story of the Columbia River's formation shaped by volcanoes and glaciers, which is interlaced with Native American myths, like the prominent myth of Wishpoosh, a gigantic beaver, whose actions sculpted the river and the tribal lands around it. The book uses descriptive narration to bring to life the Columbia Basin's landscape and highlights the powerful stories of its indigenous people.