Cannon Beach Chamber and Information Center (503) 436-2623

Cannon Beach derived its name from a cannon set adrift when the US Schooner, Shark was wrecked near Tillamook Head in September, 1846.  The cannon slowly drifted with the waves and currents to the shores of Arch Cape.  In 1898, one of the early settlers in the area, John Gerritse, a sailor whose relatives built ships in Holland, hauled the cannon out of the ocean with his team of horses and the help of a friend, James Austin.  It was set in cement as a landmark on the Rudolph Kissling place, where it remained until it was moved across the highway to provide a better focus for visitors.  In 1953, two cannons, made to resemble the original, were placed at each entrance of the community.  One December 9, 1955, Cannon Beach was finally incorporated as a city.