Many explorers and traders came into conflict with the Cascade Indians when they portaged around the rapids’ dangerously rocky waters. People had to carry boats and goods by land to the other side of the Cascades. The Cascade Indians traditionally controlled portage through the rapids, and profited from presents and fees given for passage. Conflicts arose when the Europeans and Americans failed to recognize the Cascade Indians’ authority over passage through the area.
We concluded to take our canoes first to the head of the rapids, hoping that by evening the rain would cease and afford us a fair afternoon to take our baggage over the portage. this portage is two thousand eight hundred yards along a narrow rough and slipery road. … a few men were absolutely necessary at any rate to guard our baggage from the War-clel-lars who crowded about our camp in considerable numbers. these are the greates[t] thieves and scoundrels we have met with. … the canoes were much damaged by being driven against the rocks in despite of every precaution which could be taken to prevent it. … many of the natives crowded about the bank if the river where the men were engaged in taking up canoes; one of them had the insolence to cast stones down the bank at two of the men who happened to be a little detached from the party at the time. on the return of the party in the evening from the head of the rapids they met with many of the natives on the road, who seemed but illy disposed …
Meriwether Lewis, Friday April 11, 1806
The cultural conflict over portage came to a head in 1813 and 1814. At that time, fur traders began to use violent force against Cascade Indians who stole, or attempted to block passage through the rapids. To ease tensions, the fur traders changed tactics and became more diplomatic with the Indians, stopping to meet with chiefs and sometimes offering gifts.
In the 1830s, Cascades and other river Indians lost most of their populations to a deadly outbreak of malaria. This decimation meant that by the time a U.S. military expedition traveled through the area in 1849, the Cascades were no longer a powerful force at the rapids. Surviving Cascade Indians continued to work for food and wages at the rapids by transporting travelers’ goods.
A camp was established and Indian carriers assisted in the work. they were paid wages but seemed to appreciate the food provided them and not one instance of dishonesty occurred. Father could speak only enough of the jargon to make himself understood and they were careful and considerate helpers. No one deserted the ranks … My mother and Mrs. Welch and the children were compelled to walk five miles or more around the portage. The Indian boatmen assisted the children in this long walk over the rugged ground and before nightfall were safely around the Cascades.
from the autobiography of Sarah J. Cummins
In 1896, the United States Government finished a canal around the Cascades that boats could travel through instead of portaging.
