The Bridge of the Gods: A Romance of Indian Oregon

by Frederic Homer Balch

Idealistic New England missionary Cecil Grey's vision draws him 3,000 miles west. Amazingly, he discovers the exact stone bridge--tomanowos--he saw in his dream. It is a creation of the gods, and legend says that as long as the natural rock arch stands, the Willamettes will rule. Confident, their chief Multnomah becomes a fierce and ruthless leader, reigning over a network of Pacific Coast tribes from Mount Shasta to today's British Columbia. But when an old Indian prophet warns of a different future and Grey fatefully encounters Wallulah, Multnomah's gentle daughter, tragedy follows. Set in 1690s prehistoric Oregon, this regional classic was the first work of fiction by a Northwest writer to feature Native Americans as main characters. The Bridge of the Gods also evokes an extraordinary sense of place, introducing readers to the Pacific Northwest's primal forests, untamed rivers, and volcanic peaks. A new introduction by Stephen L. Harris offers interpretive content and a biography of the author.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Westerns, Indian Literature

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1890

About the author

1861-1891

Reviews

[Kathryn]

This was our October 2019 Bookclub selection. I learned a great deal about our local native Indian lore. This very old book tells the story of the “first” white missionary to arrive in the Sauvie Island (Wappato) area at the mouth of the Willamette River on the Colombia River, and the legend surrounding the Bridge of the Gods and the chief of the Willamette tribes, Multnomah. The missionary falls in love with Multnomah’s daughter. The Bridge of the God’s is destroyed during an eruption of Mt. Hood.

While reading this book I found myself researching the geology of this area. Frederic Balch, a very young author, was obviously a scholar of his time.

[Moonkiszt]

Both the book and author have me captivated. I've read this book a number of times, but this time, in particular I was deep into the story of the quandary of the Willamette tribes, and their frustration with whites. My heart ached for everyone in the story - Chief Multnomah, and his daughter Wallulah, a mixed race person from an Asiatic princess mother headed for foreign marriage who, along with her dowry treasures were long-ago shipwrecked on the Pacific Northwest coast. And the intense, spiritual missionary come on his own to save the Native peoples with Christianity, who finds he has to make a choice he never thought he'd be faced with. . . .and so many more characters worthy of close attention.

But the setting . . . it is home to me. The crash that brought that bridge down, on the heels of volcanic actions was surely felt by and shook up the land on which my house sits, centuries before this night I write. I think of the peoples who inhabited my home, who thought of it as their birthright, their gift from God almost every single day. This book, weaves fiction, legends, and tangible elements into a song that my heart hears.

The author is of interest, too. He wanted to write so many books, and make Oregon and its environs as famous as Paris one day. . .yet tuberculosis ended him at age 35. He's worthy of further review - http://www.ochcom.org/pdf/Frederic-Ba...

It's a good read if any of these are in your interest area, written in 1902, so put your 1902 hat on for the context differentiation. I'm putting this up on my shelf right next to Ramona. . .

[Lacey Jo]

I had extremely low expectations when I picked this book up at an antique store, but I was driven to make time for it pretty often once I started. I also learned a bit and loved being able to identify words and famous Native American names throughout the PNW.

[Ann]

This tragic story of a love triangle is based, in part, on the Indian legend of the stone arch that once spanned the Columbia River. Although somewhat dated, it offers an authentic portrayal of Indian life. Highly recommended for readers of Oregon history.

[April Kniess]

I found the book to be an easy reader. Thoroughly enjoy historical fiction. I particularly enjoyed The Bridge of the Gods because I live here in Oregon and I was interested in the Indian legend of the bridge across the Columbia River. So many familiar names of Oregon rivers, water falls and towns were mentioned. The love story of the Indian maiden to the white faced man was both touching and tragic.

[Denise Spicer]

Very interesting historical fiction set in early Pacific Northwest. A Christian pastor and an Indian girl who is betrothed to a Chief have a tragic love affair. Not based on actual facts but rather a romanticized version of the Indian legend of the Bridge of the Gods crossing the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. Quick read with interesting characters and setting. Regional fiction.

[Jen]

This is the story of a love triangle. Of the Multnomah's and beauty and heartache Of tribes at war and more. of the dress, food, and lifestyle of the people of the Pacific Northwest before many white men came into it.

[Susan]

I read this book as a kid more times than I can remember; I don't remember much detail now, but I remember clearly how much I loved it, so I will have to give it 5 stars.

[Jane Wetzel]

It was most interesting to read some true facts regarding how the native Indians of our region actually lived. Many facts were presented in this fictional story. Frederick H. Balch spent much of his young life visiting with the local Indians and listening to their traditions and stories.