Fort Yamhill

Fort Yamhill is a former military installation in Willamina situated on elevated grounds with foundations of structures dating to the 1850s. The remains include barracks, officers' quarters, and other military buildings scattered across the property.

The fort was established in 1856 as a control point for the eastern boundary of the reservation. It managed relations between settlers and Native American communities until it was abandoned in 1866.

The site brought together 27 different Native American tribes who were relocated to the Grand Ronde Reservation during the 1850s. Their presence shaped daily interactions at the fort and influenced how the settlement developed in the region.

The site functions as a heritage area with walking trails, markers showing former building locations, and informational signs about military operations. Visitors should expect uneven ground and take time to explore the trails to see the different structure sites.

Excavations uncovered intact foundations, a kitchen fireplace, a bakery oven, and numerous artifacts from the military period. These discoveries provide rare insight into daily life for the garrison and how soldiers actually lived on the grounds.

Location: Polk County

Inception: 1856

GPS coordinates: 45.06900,-123.57000

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04