Lower Memaloose Island

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On October 29, 1805, Lewis and Clark called Memaloose Island "Sepulchar Island". It was one of several islands commented on by Lewis and Clark as containing burial vaults for the Indian tribes that lived along the Columbia River.

"... passed three large rocks in The river the middle rock is large long and has Several Squar vaults on it. we call this rockey Island the Sepulchar ..." [Clark, October 29, 1805]

The name is derived from "Memaloose Ilahee", Chinook jargon for "land of the dead". Lower Memaloose Island, the one called "Sepulchar" by Captain Clark, is downstream from the mouth of the Klickitat River and upstream of Major Creek.

The granite obelisk on the island is the grave of Victor Trevitt, a pioneer who wished to be buried with his Indian friends.