In 1921 Oregon lumber magnate and philanthropist Simon Benson observed in part of the region fledgling tourism industry We have built good roads and invited the world to come view our beauty spots but we have done nothing toward taking care of them after they arrive. In response to that need Benson built the Columbia Gorge Hotel.nOur property was first described in the Lewis and Clark Journals and originally the site of Phelps Mill in the mid-1800s after which our creek is named. The mill made staves for the whiskey barrels carried by mules from Hood River to the east.nIn...