Welcome to the Dorymen’s Memorial Wall, a tribute to a unique seafaring tradition on the Oregon coast. Since the early 1900s, the Pacific City dory fleet has set itself apart with its distinctive flat-bottomed boats, which launch directly from the sands of Cape Kiwanda into the challenging surf. This method defies conventional harbor launches and is unique along the West Coast. The dories were originally crafted from spruce and powered by oars, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the early fishermen who called this place home. Today, these vessels are motor-powered but retain their iconic flat-bottom design, allowing them to navigate the waves with ease.
The Dorymen’s Memorial Wall stands as a symbol of the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the Pacific City dory fleet. This fleet was once the second-largest salmon-fishing port on the Oregon coast, peaking in the 1970s. However, government-imposed fishing quotas in the 1990s reduced the fleet’s numbers significantly. Despite these challenges, the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association has kept the tradition alive, blending commercial, sport, and individual fishermen in its ranks.
Every year, the community celebrates this tradition during Dory Days, a festival that began in 1959 as the Dory Derbies, coinciding with Oregon’s centennial. The event has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant celebration, drawing thousands of visitors with boat races, parades, and festivities that highlight the region’s maritime culture.
The Memorial Wall also hosts the annual Blessing of the Fleet, a poignant ceremony that honors the bravery and dedication of dorymen past and present. This sacred tradition ensures the safety of those who continue to brave the unpredictable ocean in pursuit of their livelihood.
As you stand here, imagine the generations of dorymen setting out from this very shore, their boats cutting through waves, driven by the same passion that echoes in the stories and artifacts collected by the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, the legacy of the dorymen is a living history, inviting you to explore and cherish the unique maritime heritage of Pacific City.
