Oregon City

Oregon City sits at the meeting point of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers and consists of a lower and an upper section linked by a public elevator. The two levels reflect the natural terrain, with downtown along the riverbank and residential areas perched on the bluff above.

The Hudson's Bay Company founded the settlement in 1829 as a trading post for the region. In 1844, the town became the first incorporated municipality west of the Rocky Mountains, marking a turning point in the settlement of the West.

The city takes its name from the Oregon Territory that once covered this region and drew settlers from the east. Today, several museums and historic buildings across town preserve the memory of pioneer times and allow visitors to step into that past.

The municipal elevator has connected the two levels since 1915 and operates at no charge, making it easier for pedestrians to move between downtown and residential neighborhoods. Most historic sites are located in the lower section near the river and are within walking distance of each other.

The Oregon Spectator began publication in 1846 and became the first newspaper west of the Rocky Mountains to print news from the region on a regular basis. Its founding signaled that community life was taking root at the edge of the known world and that settlers sought connection to the wider world.

Location: Clackamas County

Inception: 1829

Elevation above the sea: 42 m

Website: http://orcity.org

GPS coordinates: 45.35694,-122.60667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 18:01