Columbia Ship Builders operated at the western end of the Dallesport waterfront from September 1989 through April 1992. The rail launch shown in this photograph was constructed after earlier attempts to launch ships using a wheeled trolley failed when the trolley sank to its axels in the soft riverbank. The vessel shown, the Farrar Sea, was launched into the Columbia River on June 18, 1991. The Port's railroad spur and water reservoir are visible in the background.