Tygh Valley in Wasco County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Sherar's Bridge Area

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 3, 2017

1. Sherar's Bridge Area Marker

Inscription. This area on the Deschutes River has been a river crossing and fishing location for thousands of years. Peter Skene Odgen made note of an Indian camp and bridge when he crossed here in 1826. Early pioneers using the Meek Cutoff passed here on their way to The Dalles and the Willamette Valley. John Todd built a bridge in 1860 and in 1868 a post office was established. In 1871 Joseph Sherar bought the bridge, improved the road leading to it and built a 13 room hotel and out buildings that were later used as a stage station. Thousands of people used this crossing to reach the gold mines and ranches of Central Oregon.

Erected by Oregon Department of Transportation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Beaver Boards series list.

Location. 45° 15.648′ N, 121° 2.238′ W. Marker is in Tygh Valley, Oregon, in Wasco County. It is on Sherar's Bridge Highway (Oregon Route 216) near U.S. 197, on the right when traveling east.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tygh Valley OR 97063, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Cascade Range,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Tygh Valley (approx. 7.4 miles away); Schreiber Log House (approx. 14 miles away).

More about this marker. The Sherar's Bridge is about 8 miles east of Tygh Valley.

Sherar's Bridge and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 3, 2017

2. Sherar's Bridge and Marker

The Deschutes River from Sherar's Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 3, 2017

3. The Deschutes River from Sherar's Bridge

Deschutes River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 3, 2017

4. Deschutes River

Sherar's Hotel and Toll-bridge image. Click for full size.

Oregon Historical Society

5. Sherar's Hotel and Toll-bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on October 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,052 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 11, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.