Albany

Albany is a city in the Willamette Valley in Oregon that spans two administrative counties and sits along the river that flows through the western side of the valley. The settlement is located at an elevation of about 60 meters and includes several parks as well as access to the waterfront along the watercourse.

Settlers from the eastern United States founded the place in 1846 and began to farm the land and process timber from the surrounding forests. Over the following decades the community developed into a trading hub for agricultural products and building materials from the region.

The name comes from the capital of New York State and recalls the origins of the first settlers from the eastern United States. Many streets run through residential neighborhoods with wooden houses from the period between 1850 and 1920, where families still live and tend their front yards today.

The Interstate 5 exit and the junction with Highway 20 connect the city with other places in Oregon, while the train station offers regular connections to the north and south. Visitors can walk through the residential neighborhoods or stroll along the riverfront, where paths run through parks and green spaces.

A museum houses a collection of carousel figures that were hand-carved by volunteers from the community and showcase traditional craftsmanship. The workshop is located in the same building and allows visitors to watch the artists at work on new animal figures.

Location: Linn County

Location: Benton County

Inception: 1846

Elevation above the sea: 60 m

Shares border with: Jefferson

Website: http://cityofalbany.net

GPS coordinates: 44.63028,-123.09611

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:10