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

McLoughlin Promenade

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

1. McLoughlin Promenade Marker

Inscription. In 1851, Dr. John McLoughlin dedicated a 7.8-acre park along the bluff now known as the McLoughlin Promenade for the use of the citizens of Oregon City. In 1938, a concrete pathway lined by stone walls and an adjoining grand staircase were constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project to provide economic relief during the Great Depression. The concrete railing along much of the Promenade south of the elevator was designed to mimic a wooden split rail fence. To make the Promenade once again safe to use and to restore its structural integrity, in 2010, the City used American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to restore the Promenade.

Erected by City of Oregon City.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.

Location. 45° 21.424′ N, 122° 36.464′ W. Marker is in Oregon City, Oregon, in Clackamas County. It is in McLoughlin. It is on 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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300 7th Street, Oregon City OR 97045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, 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,

on 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 Municipal Passenger Elevator (1954) (here, next to this marker); McCald Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); OK Barber Shop (about 400 feet away); John Myers Building (about 400 feet away); Dr. John McLoughlin (about 500 feet away); Eva Emery Dye (about 500 feet away); McLoughlin House (about 500 feet away); Dr. Forbes Barclay (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oregon City.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 1, 2020

2. McLoughlin Promenade Marker

Oregon City Municipal Elevator image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

3. Oregon City Municipal Elevator

The Oregon City Municipal Elevator as seen from McLoughlin Promenade. The historic elevator is said to be the only outdoor municipal elevator in the United States.

McLoughlin Promenade image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 1, 2020

4. McLoughlin Promenade

Panoramic view of Oregon City below, from the promenade. The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is to the left.

Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 1, 2020

5. Oregon City Municipal Elevator

The Oregon City landmark, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, erected in 1954. The promenade follows the bluff on either side of the elevator at the top.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 2. submitted on October 12, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. 3. submitted on April 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on October 12, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.