Seen from the central viewing area is Lower Memaloose Island
Memaloose (Chinook): dead, to die, expire, decay, become rotten extinguish
Originally a sacred burial site for local Indian tribes. Bodies, wrapped in skins and blankets, were placed seated in wooden open-air shelters constructed of poles, slabs, and bark. They were then surrounded with artwork, mementos, and treasures with the thought of providing comfort and wealth beyond death.
This continued until March 10, 1883, when former State representative Victor Trevitt was buried on the island - the only white man to be buried there.
Trevitt: "I have but one desire after I die, to be laid away on Memaloose Island with the Indians. They are more honest than whites and live up to the light they have. In the resurrection I will take my chances with the Indians." (Powers, Alfred, and Bernard Hinshaw. "History of Oregon Literature". Metropolitan Pr, 1935.)
In 1882, that blasphemous opinion would've barred him from Christian society, but Trevitt's friends (including more than 90 Masons, as Trevitt was a member of their brotherhood) carried out his wish, building and laying him to rest in a large (8' square by 13' high) stone vault. And, in keeping with Trevitt's opinion, whites - who were now largely made aware of the island's purpose due to Trevitt's burial - proceeded to loot the graves on the island, taking artifacts, bones, and the skulls of the Indians as trophies or to sell.
The only thing that remains on the island today is Trevitt's memorial. read more