Oregon
City is the first incorporated city west of the Rockies. Established
in 1829 by Dr. John McLoughlin as a lumber mill near
Willamette Falls, it was later designated as Oregon's
territorial capital. Visiting its many museums
and historical buildings allows you a glimpse of
pioneer life in Oregon territory:
The
Museum of the Oregon Territory,
which overlooks Willamette Falls and the Willamette
River, has extensive exhibits of Clackamas
county history documented in photographs and
artifacts. Displays follow a time line
from Indian times through fur traders, pioneers
and merchants. Additional exhibits include
one on America's first long distance electric
transmission, which was from Willamette Falls,
and an immigrant wagon fully loaded for the
Oregon Trail.
The
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is
located on Abernethy Green, at a site often
identified as the end of the Barlow Road portion
of the Oregon Trail. Visitors are guided
by a living history interpreter, who brings
alive the journey from Missouri to Oregon through
dramatization and story telling. Things
to see include artifacts from pioneer days,
a video presentation, and a gift shop.
The
Stevens Crawford House is located in a
1908 classical Foursquare style house. It
was owned by the original family until 1968
and much of the period furniture is still kept
in the house. There are 15 furnished rooms,
including a working kitchen, living room, bedrooms,
dining room and a doll collection. There
is also a museum area which features displays
of souvenir plates, children's toys and Indian
baskets.
Located within easy
driving distance of the End of the Oregon Trail
Interpretive Center are several points of historic
interest. Up the hill on Center Street you'll
find the house of John McLoughlin, the Father
of Oregon, or you can hop on the Oregon City
Trolley and take a ride to the Clackamas County
Museum of History. A map
of historic locations can be viewed and printed
and then later followed at your leisure.
Oregon
City is the first incorporated city west of the Rockies. Established
in 1829 by Dr. John McLoughlin as a lumber mill near
Willamette Falls, it was later designated as Oregon's
territorial capital. Visiting its many museums
and historical buildings allows you a glimpse of
pioneer life in Oregon territory:
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