Discover The Six Oldest Cities In Oregon

Oregon is a state with a rich and varied history, and its oldest cities are a testament to its past. Located in the Pacific Northwest, many of these Oregon cities were originally Native American communities. However, the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century brought about significant changes and development. From the bustling port city of Astoria to the charming gold rush town of Jacksonville, to the town of Albany, Oregon’s oldest cities offer a glimpse into the state’s past. In addition, these cities provide a wealth of cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Keep reading to discover the six oldest cities in Oregon.

Westward, Ho!

Several factors contributed to the movement of settlers to Oregon. However, one of the primary factors was the promise of free land under the Oregon Donation Land Claim Act of 1850. This act granted 320 acres of land to every unmarried adult or head of household who agreed to cultivate and also improve the land.

Another factor was the reports of fertile soil and abundant natural resources in Oregon. The Willamette Valley, in particular, was known for its rich soil and mild climate, which made it an attractive location for farming and agriculture. The presence of forests and also waterways in the region made it a prime location for logging and fishing.

Finally, the concept of Manifest Destiny played a role in the settlement of Oregon. This was the idea that it was the United States’ destiny to expand its territory across the continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. Many Americans believed that settling in Oregon was an important part of this expansion, and they were willing to make the long and difficult journey West to do so.

Discover The Six Oldest Cities In Oregon

The following oldest cities in Oregon each have a unique history. Read on to learn more about how these cities came to be.

Astoria

Astoria is a city located in the Northwest corner of Oregon, at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. It is the oldest American settlement West of the Rocky Mountains. In addition, Astoria was founded in 1811 by the Pacific Fur Company, a subsidiary of John Jacob Astor’s American Fur Company.

Astoria is a popular tourist destination and also has a rich history. Visitors to Astoria can enjoy:

• The Astoria Column: A 125-foot tower located on a hill overlooking the city, the Astoria Column was built in 1926 and also features murals depicting the history of the area.
• Fort Stevens State Park: A former military installation that now serves as a popular recreational area, Fort Stevens State Park includes miles of beaches, hiking trails, and historic sites.
• Columbia River Maritime Museum: A museum dedicated to the maritime history of the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Maritime Museum features exhibits on shipwrecks, fishing, and also navigation.
• Flavel House Museum: A restored Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1885, the Flavel House Museum is a popular attraction for history and also architecture buffs.
• The Goonies House: A private residence featured in the 1985 film The Goonies, the Goonies House has become a popular destination for fans of the movie.

Oregon City

Oregon City is a city located in Clackamas County, in Northwestern Oregon. It is the county seat. In addition, it is located approximately 13 miles (20 km) south of Portland. The city is known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and also outdoor recreation opportunities. Oregon City was the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains. It was established in 1829 by the Hudson’s Bay Company. It was an important center of commerce and also trade in the early days of the Oregon Territory. Additionally, it served as the capital of the territory from 1844 to 1851.

There are many attractions in Oregon City:

• Oregon City Municipal Elevator: Built in 1915, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator is a unique attraction that takes visitors up a steep incline to the city’s downtown area.
• Willamette Falls: Located on the Willamette River in downtown Oregon City, the Willamette Falls is a natural wonder and also the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest by volume.
• McLoughlin House: This historic house was built in 1846 and was home to John McLoughlin, a prominent figure in the early history of the Oregon Territory.
• End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center: This museum tells the story of the thousands of pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail to settle in the West in the 1800s.
• Oregon City Brewing Company: This brewery, located in a historic building in downtown Oregon City, produces a variety of craft beers and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Oregon City is also known for its many parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks.

Golden

Golden is a small unincorporated community located in Josephine County in Southwestern Oregon, near the California border. It was founded in 1843, making it one of the oldest communities in Oregon. Golden was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 as a historic district, recognizing the town’s significance as an example of a mid-19th century gold mining town in the Pacific Northwest region.

The Golden Historic District encompasses approximately 22 acres and includes several historic structures such as the old general store, post office, and cemetery, as well as the site of the former mining operations. However, Golden is considered a ghost town today, as it no longer hosts a permanent population. While the town was once a bustling mining community during the mid-to-late 1800s, it gradually declined as the gold deposits were exhausted. Today, the town is primarily visited by tourists and also history enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the town and learning about its history.

The area around Golden is known for its natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Golden is located in the heart of Southern Oregon’s wine country and is home to several wineries and vineyards. The Applegate Valley AVA, known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Chardonnay varietals, is about an hour’s drive away. Nearby attractions include the Rogue River, the Siskiyou Mountains, and also the Oregon Caves National Monument.

Albany

Albany is a city located in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. It is the county seat of Linn County and has a population of 57,000 people (2021). Albany was founded in 1848, making it one of the oldest cities in Oregon. It was originally known as Takenah and was a major trading center for the local Kalapuya tribe. However, in 1851, the city was renamed Albany after the capital of New York.

Downtown Albany is home to a large historic district with more than 700 buildings dating from the 1800s and early 1900s. Many of these buildings have been beautifully restored and now house restaurants, shops, and galleries. Linn County is home to more covered bridges than any other county in the state, and Albany is no exception. In addition, the city is home to the Hoffman Bridge, which was built in the 1930s. It is a popular spot for photography.

Albany is located in the heart of Oregon’s agricultural region. It is also known for its production of grass seeds, Christmas trees, and hazelnuts. The city also hosts an annual Farmers’ Market from May through November. Albany has many parks and recreational areas, including the Talking Water Gardens, a wetlands park with walking trails and bird-watching opportunities, and Monteith Riverpark, a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. In addition, Albany hosts several annual festivals and events, including the Northwest Art and Air Festival, River Rhythms summer concert series, and the Veterans Day Parade.

Silverton

Silverton is a city in Marion County, located in Northwestern Oregon. It was founded in 1854 and was named after a nearby silver mine that was discovered in the area. The town was incorporated in 1857 and grew rapidly during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In addition, Silverton is located near Silver Falls State Park, which is one of Oregon’s most popular state parks. The park features ten waterfalls, including the 177-foot South Falls, and offers hiking, camping, and also picnicking opportunities.

Located in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Silverton is known for its fertile soil and mild climate. The area is a major producer of berries, hops, and nursery crops, and is home to many wineries and vineyards. In addition, Silverton has many annual community events, including Brewfest at the Oregon Garden, the Silverton Fine Arts Festival, and the Homer Davenport Community Festival, which celebrates the life and work of the famous political cartoonist who was born in Silverton.

Silverton’s historic downtown district features many beautifully restored buildings, including the recently shuttered Silverton Palace Theater, which dates back to 1892.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a city located in Southwestern Oregon, in Jackson County. It is a historic town that was founded in 1851. It is also known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and lively arts and cultural scene. Jacksonville was originally founded as a gold rush town. It quickly grew into a bustling center of commerce and trade. The town’s wealth and prosperity during this time led to the construction of many fine homes and public buildings. Many of those buildings are still standing and well-preserved today. Some notable examples of Victorian architecture in Jacksonville include the Beekman House, the Jackson County Courthouse, and also the Britt Gardens and Amphitheater.

In addition to its historic architecture, Jacksonville is also known for its thriving arts and culture scene. The town is home to numerous galleries, studios, and also shops featuring the work of local artists and craftspeople. It also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Britt Music and Arts Festival, which brings in nationally recognized performers to perform in the outdoor amphitheater.

Summary Of The Six Oldest Cities In Oregon