Cities Historical Information
Marion County cities have identified locations with historic or community significance that travelers on the 150 Miles for 150 Years route can visit in 2009 during Oregon's 150th year. Each community has give a "clue" that can be discovered and recorded in the passport on the journey.
AumsvilleIncorporated August 3, 1911
Aumsville is situated on the site of the pioneer farm of Henry L. Turner, who named the settlement for his son-in-law Amos M. Davis, more familiarly known as "Aumus," who died December 23, 1863.
Historical Site: The Brian Haney Memorial Skatepark at Mill Creek Road and 11th SW is one of Aumsville's Best Kept Secrets. Built in memory of Brian Haney, a young man who was killed in a car accident on his way to go skating in Salem in 1997. This world class state-of-the-art skatepark has drawn visitors from all over the world. Skateboarder Magazine rated the park number one on their list of the "Five Gnarliest Skateparks" in 2003. Funding for the project came from youth fundraisers, businesses, city park SDC funds, and a matching grant through Oregon State Parks. Oregon National Guard donated labor and equipment, plus endless hours of volunteer efforts.
AuroraFounded 1856; Incorporated 1893
Founded by Dr. William Keil and a group of Germans who formed a Christian communal society, sharing goods and products such as furniture, baskets, metal products, etc., and sustaining the colony by selling agricultural and wood products. They were widely praised for their music, the food served at their hotel as well as at the State Fair, and their honesty.
Historical Site: The five-building Old Aurora Colony Museum complex on the corner of 2nd and Liberty streets is where the original artifacts are exhibited through rotating exhibits. A walking tour guide for the rest of the village is available for purchase. Many of the surviving buildings house antique stores.
DetroitFounded 1891; Incorporated 1952
With its many outdoor recreation opportunities, the City of Detroit has evolved from a logging town to a popular tourist destination. Detroit Lake is now the number one lake in the State of Oregon
Historical Site: City Hall in the center of downtown Detroit used to house the town's medical clinic during the logging era. City Hall was located in one room of the building which now serves as a Marion County Sheriff's satellite office. Visit the new City Hall to find out more about Detroit's history.
DonaldIncorporated 1912
Donald was an Oregon Electric Railway station. It was named for R. L. Donald of Portland, who was an official of the construction company that built the railway.
Historical Site: While in Donald have a meal at the famous Donald Café, check out the Skate Park and observe the historic Electric Railroad Station Building on the corner of Williams and Main.
GatesIncorporated 1950
Gates is a quiet town with a very colorful history. Gates was a boom town in the early 1900's, supplying the mines. There are still lost mines in the area. The last high noon shoot out, on May 7, 1909, was said to have been caused by "drink and a woman." Both men died within two weeks of each other and the woman left the area.
Historical Site: The Fairview Cemetery is a site with historical significance in Gates. It is located across the river in Linn County on Gates School Road and Kingwood. Mt. Horeb near Gates was named by Captain David Smith because he once remarked that it was as close to heaven as he would ever get. Mt. Horeb is northeast of Gates and is 4,712 feet high.
Gervais is a small rural community surrounded by vast farms and nurseries. It is a community rich in diversity, with members who serve when they can, honor one another, and support the dreams and hopes in sustaining a positive future for the children. Gervais has a great school districk rich in attention to education to students, their families and the community. Businesses contribute and enhance our sustainability.
Historical Site: Visit Gervais' Elm Street Park or Telephone Company [489 3rd Street], both have historic elements for visitors. The telephone company has a circa 1938 switchboard that was the communication hub of the Gervais area. Each manual plug connected people to their neighbors.
HubbardIncorporated 1891
Hubbard is a small, quiet community located about 20 miles north of Salem on Hwy 99E. Many new houses have been built recently, increasing the population to approximately 3,125. Children attend the North Marion School District. Hubbard is an agricultural community and is best known for its hop and hazelnut production. While the old businesses are still thriving, there are many new businesses and an industrial park.
Historical Site: Hubbard Historical Cemetery is registered as an Historical Cemetery. The cemetery is located about 1/4 mile on the west side of Hubbard off "J" Street which turns into Broadacres Rd. The cemetery is on the right side of the road when heading west.
IdanhaFounded late 1800s; Incorporated 1949
The community was founded with the establishment of the railroad, which was an attempt to connect the Willamette Valley to Eastern Oregon. This attempt was never fully completed, but is the fundamental foundation for the formation of this small community. Idanha, centrally located between Salem and Sisters, stretches over two and a half miles of Highway 22 and is divided by the North Santiam River with Marion County on the north side and Linn county on the south. Idanha was once the forefront of the lumber industry with numerous lumber mills, but today there are none.
Historical Site: The only true historical site in Idanha is the Post Office, established in 1895 with the construction of the current building in 1952, but the new City Hall building has historical information posted for the following passport clue.
JeffersonInformally established in 1851 as Conser's Ferry; Incorporated 1870
Jefferson is a growing bedroom community situated on the north bank of the Santiam River between Albany and Salem, with a population estimated at 2,655. Jefferson was known as the "mint capital of the world" and in more recent years, the "frog jump capital."
Historical Site: Jacob Conser House, 128 N. Main Street, was the first building erected. Originally the structure was Conser's home, a hotel, and the pony express station. Today it is one of only a couple buildings like in in all of Oregon. Listed on the Historic Registry and currently houses the Jefferson public library.
KeizerIncorporated 1982
The City of Keizer is a relatively young city with a current population of 36,150. The city continues to mature and develop, while never forgetting the commitment to preserve its heritage and small-town values. Keizer's motto is "Pride, Spirit, and Volunteerism." Many great accomplishments have been achieved through the dedication of community volunteers.
Historical Site: There are three sites to visit in Keizer:(1) A geographical marker in the 5000 block of River Road North.(2) Keizer Rapids Park on Chemawa Road; this 119 acre regional park was opened in 2007. Walking trails along the Willamette River, Off Leash Dog Park, Sand Volleyball Court, and Amphitheatre are just a few of its features.(3) Wallace House/Fort Park, located at Rivercrest Drive and Jack Street, extensive research has shown this is the location of the first significant settlement in the Willamette Valley by fur traders and trappers in 1813. This park and historical site will be developed in the future.
Mill CityFounded 1886; Incorporated 1947
Mill City is a small community of 1,640 nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The North Santiam River divides Mill City between Linn and Marion counties and provides great fishing, rafting, and kayaking opportunities.
Historical Site: Visit the Canyon Life Museum on 143 Wall Street and the nearby historical railroad bridge which served as the main source of transportation for our local lumber mills, as well as for those coming to work on the local dams.
Mt. AngelIncorporated 1893
Mt. Angel is nestled between farmland about 18 miles northeast of Salem on Hwy 214. Founded by German settlers, it has an Old World flavor with Bavarian style storefronts and large prominent community church. Home to one of Oregon's most successful festivals, Oktoberfest.
Historical Site: 1) Mt. Angel Abbey and Queen of Angel's Monastery founded in 18822) St. Mary's Church built in 1920 Gothic style3) Glockenspiel - tallest in the United States at 49 feet4) Der Maibaum or Tree of Trades
St. PaulIncorporated 1901
St. Paul is located north of Salem and is one mile northwest of the Willamette River along the French Prairie. The surrounding area consists of lush farm lands with flat prairies and rolling hills. Agriculture is the primary source of industry as it was originally when the area was first settled in the early 1800s.
Historical Site: The Historical St. Paul Pioneer Cemetery. The Wall of Remembrance honors 535 early settlers and Native Americans who are buried there. The cemetery was established in 1839 and in the cemetery lies the bodies of François Rivet and Philippe Degre. They claimed to be members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Rivet died in 1852 at age 95 and Degre died in 1847 at age 108. The only authenticated Revolutionary War veteran buried in Oregon and is the only grave marked with a headstone at this location. Archbishop Francis Norbet Blanchet, the first Catholic Missionary to the Pacific Northwest, established the cemetery and was responsible for all Catholic churches west of the Mississippi.
SalemIncorporated 1860
Salem is Oregon's capital city. The Salem area is a naturally inspired blend of riverfront activities, festive events, vineyards, romantic waterfalls, brilliant gardens, historic museums, children's activities, boutique shopping, and dining experiences.
Historical Site: (1) Mission Mill Museum, 1313 Mill Street, is a leader in the preservation and interpretation of Oregon's early history, pioneer period, and industrial development. Its campus houses several historic structures including the historic Thomas Kay Woolen Mills, designated an American Treasure by the National Park Service. Also at the museum are two landmark buildings that relate to the birth of the Oregon territory, the Jason Lee House and Willamette Parsonage. These two historic homes are physical connections to Lee's Willamette Mission which played an integral role in Oregon's beginnings. These buildings have inspired Mission Mill Museum to curate a major exhibition, Facing Statehood, which has been developed in concert with the Oregon sesquicentennial celebration.(2) Historic Deepwood Estate, 1116 Mission Street, is an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian home situated on approximately four acres of manicured gardens and nature trails set in the heart of Salem near its downtown core. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Homes in 1973. The museum is operated by the Friends of Deepwood, a non-profit organization created to disseminate information about the home and documents life in Victorian times.
Scotts MillsFounded 1893;Incorporated 1916
Scotts Mills is a beautiful small town rich in history. It is a growing community with the most active neighborhood watch program in Marion County. It is conveniently located 30 minutes from Wilsonville, Oregon City, and Salem, just off Hwy 213. Scotts Mills is in the Silverfalls School District and has great K-8 uncrowded classrooms. Scotts Mills School has one of the highest achieving reading programs in the district and is well above state averages. It is a wonderful, safe place to raise a family.
Historical Site: (1) Scotts Mills County Park - the site of one of the most productive grist mills west of Minneapolis. It was built in 1846 by Dr. John McLaughlin's stepson, Thomas McKay. (2) Friends (Quaker) Church founded in 1894 on Grandview. Holy Rosary Church est. 1892 located on Crooked Finger Road. (3) Historical Society [210 Grandview, Scotts Mills]
SilvertonIncorporated 1885
The first settlers came to the banks of the Silver Creek, following timber and water power, in the 1800's. By 1884 the population was nearly 900. The young town was a trading and banking center of prominence and ranked among the most progressive towns of western Oregon. By 1921, Silverton industries were producing exports for other areas and even some foreign countries. The Fischer Flour Mills on South Water Street was among the exporters. Power for the mill was obtained by damming Silver Creek at a point near the present pool, diverting water into a millrace that ran along the creek to the mill and then dumped back into the creek. Timber drove local industry, and the Silver Falls Timber Company was once the largest sawmills of its kind in the world. Metal piping was also part of the economy. To this day, metal covers on Silverton streets and sidewalks bear the legend "Eastman Brothers Metal Works." One of the Eastman brothers, L.C., was mayor in the 1920s. The opening of The Oregon Garden signifies the success of a partnership between the Garden, a private enterprise attracting tourists to botanical displays, and the City of Silverton. The Oregon Garden's expansive wetlands area benefits from the City's excess reclaimed water, while the community benefits from trade the Garden draws to the area.
Historical Site:Downtown murals1) Four Freedoms: corner of Second and East Main StreetH2) Homer Davenport: 205 S. First Street3) Old Oak Tree: 213 E. Main Street4) Silver Falls: near Main Street bridge5) Largest Camera in the World: 441 N. Water Street6) The 20th Century: C Street near James7) The Red Sox: Silver Creek Shopping Center8) Oregon Trail: 1787 Pine Street9) Santa and Mrs. Claus: W. Main and Fiske Street10) Gallon House Bridge: corner of Lewis and South Water Streets11) Bobbie, the Prodigal Dog: near covered footbridge on S. Water & Lewis Streets
SublimityFounded 1840; Incorporated 1903
The City of Sublimity is a rural, residential community located on the western low foothills of the Oregon Cascades about 15 miles southeast of Salem. Sublimity is situated north of the Santiam Highway amid gently rolling hills and land well-suited for agriculture.
Historical Site: The War Memorial at the Church Park on Main Street across from St. Boniface Church. The memorial site honors/recognizes war veterans that were/are members of the community.
TurnerIncorporated 1905
Turner is "the good neighbor" town. Turner was a mill town but now is a bedroom community and retirement center. It is home to Aldersgate Conference Center and Turner Retirement Homes.
Historical Site: The Oregon Christian Convention Tabernacle at 5605 Jubilee Drive. The land for the site was donated by the Turner family in 1844. The structure was erected in the 1800s by the sons of the Turner family. The building is still used by the convention.
WoodburnIncorporated 1889
Woodburn is the result of two things: the nursery industry and the railroad industry. Jesse Settlemier invited the railroad to come as a way of getting his nursery stock to his customers. Woodburn is still the heart of Oregon's nursery trade and the railroad is still the center of the community.
Historical Site: Engine 1785 belongs to the City of Woodburn and occupies space in the historic downtown. It has occupied its current location for many years and is a symbol of Woodburn's railroad past. It is located on Front Street between Cleveland and Young on the east side the railroad tracks.
Historic Butteville and ChampoegButteville founded 1851Champoeg founded 1840
Butteville This river town shipped wheat to the world between 1850-1880. Today the Historic Butteville Store is open for visitors. Now considered a ghost town, many early Oregonians came through bustling Butteville before continuing down the Willamette. Champoeg Oregon began in Champoeg. There the first review style self-government on the Pacific Coast was formed on May 2, 1843. Champoeg has been a crossroads of many cultures for many years.
Historical Site: Butteville The Historic Butteville Store has been in existence since the 1800s and is the oldest store in Oregon still operating.Champoeg Champoeg State Heritage Area has an interpretive exhibit showing the road to statehood and life in the Northern Willamette Valley. This is still an important gathering place for Oregonians and their families.