The Early Voyages of the USS Shark – Thursday, May 14 at 4pm

The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum welcomes back Robert Bailey on Thursday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m. for a lecture exploring the early years of the USS Shark, a vessel closely connected to the history of the Oregon Coast.

Following last year’s fascinating talk that uncovered new clues about the USS Shark’s final days, Robert Bailey returns with a fresh perspective, this time exploring the ship’s earliest chapter. His presentation will trace the first years of service of the USS Shark, from its launch on May 17, 1821 through its assignments in the Caribbean, Coast of Africa and the Mediterranean and eventually to the Pacific, leading up to its historic and ultimately ill-fated voyage to the Columbia River in 1846 and the attempts by the US Navy to contact the USS Shark during the California Bear Flag Revolt.

Through this deeper look at the vessel’s origins and early missions, attendees will gain a richer understanding of the USS Shark’s place in 19th century naval exploration and its lasting connection to the Oregon Coast.

Robert Bailey is a civil engineer based in San Francisco with a lifelong passion for history and preservation. Bailey is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and he holds degrees in Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering. His career has included international work with the Peace Corps in Nepal, as well as major seismic evaluation and preservation projects, including San Francisco City Hall and the Old San Francisco Mint.

Since retiring from full time practice in 2018, he has dedicated his time to researching and sharing compelling stories from the past. His engaging presentations bring history to life and connect audiences with stories that continue to shape our understanding of the Oregon Coast and beyond.

This event is free and open to the public and is part of the museum’s annual lecture series. The program is generously sponsored by Sea Breeze Court of Cannon Beach, Oregon.

The Cannon Beach History Center and Museum is located at 1387 South Spruce Street in Cannon Beach. Admission is by donation.

For more information, please call 503 436 9301 or visit cbhistory.org.