Built in 1926, the Astoria Column was designed to look like the great Roman Trajan's Column. There are 164-step spiral staircase ascending to an observation deck were one can get views of the Columbia Gorge, pacific ocean and accross the Columbia River into Washington State. The outside of the Column is painted with murals that represent 14 significant events in the early history of Oregon with a focus on Astoria's role including Captain Gray's discovery of the Columbia River in 1792 and the Lewis & Clark Expedition.