Oregon City’s History & Heritage
Just 13 miles south of Portland at the historical Willamette Falls fishing and gathering grounds of the Clackamas and Clowwewalla people, Oregon City — the state’s first capital and the official end of the Oregon Trail — is where Oregon’s story began. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of pioneers at the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive & Visitor Center, explore historic homes and landmarks on the McLoughlin District Walking Tour, and witness the city’s next chapter taking shape at Tumwata Village at Willamette Falls, a major cultural and riverfront redevelopment project by the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde now in progress.
Throughout downtown, you’ll see the layers of history that built this place — from 1800s industry and river-powered mills to vibrant streets and restored buildings that reflect Oregon City’s ongoing spirit of renewal.
Places to Visit & Activies
Atkinson Memorial Congregational House
A historic church building on 6th Street in the McLoughlin Historic District.
Baker Cabin Historical Site
A restored pioneer-era log cabin offering a glimpse into 1850s homestead life in the Willamette Valley.
Carnegie Public Library
A 1913 Carnegie-funded library building, one of many built across the country during the early 20th century.
Charles & Hattie Babcock House
A notable historic residence on Washington Street in Oregon City.
Charles D. Latourette House
A Victorian-era home on High Street in the McLoughlin Historic District.
Charles G. Huntley House
A historic home on Washington Street contributing to the McLoughlin Conservation District.
History Events
Oregon City Cemetery Tour
Oregon City Tree Lighting
Heritage Holidays
