OR&N was initially operated as an independent carrier, but Union Pacific (UP) purchased a majority stake in the line in 1898.

The company then pursued expansion of its Columbia River route, surveying from where the Oregon Steam Navigation tracks ended at Celilo and continuing east to Wallula.

The large steamships City of Chester, George W. Elder and Oregon were included in the purchase.

[5] In 1880, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company accepted delivery of the steamship Columbia from John Roach & Sons in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Columbia was innovative for her time as she featured a dynamo that powered electric light bulbs, instead of oil-based lanterns.

[7] On May 31, 1899, the George W. Elder left Seattle, Washington, carrying 126 passengers and crew on a 9,000-mile (14,000 km) scientific expedition to Russia, visiting Alaska and British Columbia along the way.