[passionfruit]

Recorded history doesn’t go back that far on the West Coast. Having an artifact from explorers (for which so many PNW landmarks are named) is a BIG thing.

[21twelve]

An old friend of mine (RIP) was involved in some treasure hunting on the Oregon coast. IIRC it was for treasure from Sir Francis Drake, and much earlier than Vancouver.

It may be just myth, but some believe Drake's records were coded as he was not to explore north of California or something. But stories of an old sword found in Oregon, treasure maps, etc. Nothing was ever found though, and the rumored spot is in a State Park.