As early as the 1850’s the Lighthouse Board saw the potential of Grays Harbor, Washington as a gateway to northwest timber and rich farmlands. Located between the Columbia River to the south and Puget Sound to the north Grays Harbor was a perfect harbor of refuge for coasting traffic. In 1854 the federal government set aside several acres on both the north and south capes of Grays Harbor for a lighthouse reservation. However, commerce in the area grew slowly and plans for a lighthouse were put on the backburner.