Oregon City in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Oregon City Falls

Oregon History

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

1. Oregon City Falls Marker

Inscription. Oregon City - once known as Willamette Falls - was early the site of an Indian salmon fishing village. The falls furnished the power for a lumber mill which began operation in 1842. A flour mill in 1844. A woolen mill in 1864 and the first paper mill in the Pacific Northwest in 1867. The first long distance commercial electric power transmission in the United States was from Oregon City to Portland in 1889.

Erected by Oregon Travel Experience. (Marker Number M12.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Landmarks • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Oregon Beaver Boards series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.

Location. 45° 21.118′ N, 122° 36.851′ W. Marker is in Oregon City, Oregon, in Clackamas County. It is on McLoughlin Boulevard (Oregon Route 99) near S. 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south. In the parking area overlooking Willamette Falls. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oregon City OR 97045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the Willamette Valley

and in Greater Portland Area.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oregon City (here, next to this marker); Willamette Falls Legacy Project (here, next to this marker); Peter Skene Ogden House (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John McLoughlin (within shouting distance of this marker); Larry G. Dahl (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Explosion of Steamer Gazelle (about 800 feet away); John Myers Building (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oregon City.

Also see . . .
1. A brief history of Oregon City. Historic Context Statement for the City of Oregon City (2000). (Submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

2. Oregon City Falls - Oregon Travel Experience audio tour.

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

2. Oregon City Falls Marker

(Submitted on April 2, 2012, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.)
3. Oregon Travel Experience - Oregon City Falls. (Submitted on January 12, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon.)

Composite picture of Willamette Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

3. Composite picture of Willamette Falls

Oregon History Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

4. Oregon History Marker

The reverse side of this marker has information on the history of Oregon City.

South of the Willamette Falls Dam image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

5. South of the Willamette Falls Dam

The viewing area is southeast of the Williamette Falls Dam, overlooking the historic site of Willamette Falls. The T.W. Sullivan Powerhouse and several historic mills may be seen on the other side of the Willamette River.

Willamette Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

6. Willamette Falls

The current site of the dammed Willamette Falls, which powered Oregon City.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,509 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on January 30, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.