Preserving Bandon's Maritime Heritage Since 1939

Overlooking the Coquille River in the heart of Old Town Bandon, the Historic Coast Guard Building is a treasured landmark and an important part of our community's maritime history.

Originally constructed in 1939 as the Coquille River Lifeboat Station, the building served the U.S. Coast Guard and its lifesaving crews, who protected mariners navigating the challenging waters of the Southern Oregon Coast.

The station was built just three years after the devastating Bandon Fire of 1936, which destroyed much of the town. As Bandon worked to rebuild, the new Coast Guard station became an important addition to the waterfront and a lasting symbol of the community's resilience and recovery.

Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, under its official name, the Coquille River Life Boat Station.

A Historic Landmark Under the Port's Care

In the early 1980s, a land exchange involving the Port of Bandon and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped secure the historic station for the community while contributing to the establishment of the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.

Today, the Port of Bandon proudly serves as the steward of this historic landmark, preserving its architectural character while ensuring the building continues to serve the community.

The building houses Port maintenance shops and several private businesses and has historically served as the location of Port administrative offices. Its continued use demonstrates how Bandon's maritime heritage remains an active part of our waterfront.

Restoring a Piece of Bandon's History

One of the building's most distinctive features is its seven historic garage-style doors, three of which originally accommodated Coast Guard rescue vessels.

In recent years, the Port of Bandon Harbormaster and maintenance crew restored all seven doors, carefully preserving their historic appearance and craftsmanship.

This restoration reflects the Port's ongoing commitment to maintaining the building's historic character and protecting an important piece of Bandon's past for future generations.

Honoring the Past, Preserving the Future

More than 85 years after its construction, the Historic Coast Guard Building remains a familiar and cherished landmark along Bandon's waterfront.

Through ongoing maintenance, thoughtful restoration, and continued community use, the Port of Bandon is committed to preserving this irreplaceable piece of local history and honoring the generations of Coast Guard personnel who once served here.

The Historic Coast Guard Building stands as a lasting reminder of Bandon's maritime roots, its remarkable recovery from the 1936 fire, and the community's dedication to perserving its history. 

Directions

Historic Coast Guard Building

390 First St. SW

Bandon, OR 97411