The original port dates to 1856, with the port district being formed in 1911, passing by 17 votes.
Until 1911, its use was limited to receiving supplies for the mercantiles and fishing, and then it became a thriving lumber port, shipping Port Orford Cedar.
Over the years the port saw it's share of economic problems, in 1935 it was sold, only to become port property again by 1957.
Lumber was shipped from the port until the industry began to falter, shortly after the jetty was completed, shipping of lumber halted completely, mostly due to market conditions and the lack of local timber.
The largest ship to arrive in port was the 405' S.S. Frogner of Swedish registry.
Today, newly reconstructed, the Port Dock is again faced with hard times with the decline of the fishing industry. However, the port prevails! Divers have discovered the pristine habitat of the sheltered coves and the sport hoist makes it easy to launch.
Despite the decline in fishing, fishing and crabbing go on and the dock is always busy with activity.
Dredging the Port Most Ports have a problem with sand movement and buildup, which is normally solved by calling in the dredge.
In the past the Sandwick has dredged the Port of Port Orford, on Sunday, June
22, 2003 a derrick barge, equipped with a huge clam shell bucket arrived at the
port to dredge. 2003 Dredge Photos 2007 Dredge Photos
