West Linn in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Willamette Falls Locks
Oregon History
Photographed By Kevin W., June 14, 2008
1. Willamette Falls Locks Marker
Inscription.
Willamette Falls Locks. Oregon History. Still in use below this point-were opened on New Years Day, 1873, when the steamer Maria Wilkins became the first vessel to navigate up the west end of Willamette Falls. Farming and shipping interests had long sought to eliminate expensive portages around this age-old bar to navigation 26 miles above the mouth of the river. The initial project was completed by the Willamette Falls Canal and Locks Company with a partial State Subsidy at a cost of $450,000. Five locks-including a Canal Basin and Guard Lock at the upper end provide a total lift of 50.2 ft. carved from native rock and finished with masonry. The locks have concrete sills and are lined with timbers.
Still in use below this point-were opened on New Years Day, 1873, when the steamer Maria Wilkins became the first vessel to navigate up the west end of Willamette Falls. Farming and shipping interests had long sought to eliminate expensive portages around this age-old bar to navigation 26 miles above the mouth of the river. The initial project was completed by the Willamette Falls Canal and Locks Company with a partial State Subsidy at a cost of $450,000. Five locks-including a Canal Basin and Guard Lock at the upper end provide a total lift of 50.2 ft. carved from native rock and finished with masonry. The locks have concrete sills and are lined with timbers. (Marker Number M13.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 45° 21.105′ N, 122° 37.574′ W. Marker is in West Linn, Oregon, in Clackamas County. Marker is on Northbound Rest Area (Interstate 205), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Linn OR 97068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The Willamette Falls are to the left in the distance. The Locks are just to the right of center.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,451 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
