The Columbia: River of the West

Some 1,243 miles long, the Pacific Northwest's Columbia River extends through climates ranging from desert area (who knew?) to rainforest (in the Northwest?). Beginning with some speculation about the geological formation of the river and moving into the realm of human occupation (perhaps as long ago as 12,000 years!) and on into recorded history, this video presents a wealth of factual material about this mighty river and the glorious lands it encompasses. Organized into five broad segments, "Contact," "Settlement," "Conflict," "Commerce," and "Power", the beautifully lensed program wonderfully outlines the American history of the Columbia from its early exploitation by European fur trappers and traders, preliminary exploration by Lewis & Clark, and settlement by European peoples (and the attendant violent displacement and savagery committed upon the occupant Native Americans). The video also looks at the commercial interests in and around the Columbia River--chiefly logging and timber sales, the salmon industry, and, perhaps, most importantly, as the largest single source of hydroelectric power in the United States, courtesy of the Grand Coulee and Bonneville Dams. All in all, a good introduction to the area encompassed by the Columbia River, marred only by obtrusive annoying breaks to allow for "messages of interest." Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Rechel)