Bridgeport, Wa 988

A quirky town on the Columbia River

A couple of digits are missing from the Bridgeport, Washington Post Office sign — perhaps an indication that the town of 2,500 people is a little on the quirky side.

THE CHIEF JOSEPH HYDROELECTRIC DAM ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER AT BRIDGEPORT, WASHINGTON, IS THE SECOND LARGEST HYDROPOWER PRODUCING DAM IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE CHIEF JOSEPH HYDROELECTRIC DAM ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER AT BRIDGEPORT, WASHINGTON, IS THE SECOND LARGEST HYDROPOWER PRODUCING DAM IN THE UNITED STATES. IT IS THE MOST IMPRESSIVE FEATURE OF THE LITTLE TOWN OF BRIDGEPORT THAT HAS A POPULATION OF 2,500 PEOPLE.

Location of Bridgeport, Douglas County, Washington State

A stroll or drive through the little town in arid North Central Washington is like traveling back to the 1950s on the outskirts of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The streets are mostly barren of vehicles and the businesses often look closed or about to close. The hub of activity will probably be at the Columbia River boat launch where fishermen gather in the morning. The Chief Joseph Dam hums as electricity is generated from the…