There are historical markers scattered all over the state of Oregon. This page lists them, and notes the ones we have found. The official web page for these is at: http://web.oregon.com/history/oregon_historical_markers.cfm
OREGON COAST
North Coast
P1 - Fort Stevens, off US 101 - FOUND
In Ft. Stevens State Park. History of the area, land uses, and the naming of Fort Stevens.
P2 - Fort Clatsop, off US 101 - FOUND
Near Ft. Clatsop National Memorial, south of Astoria. The 1805-1806 winter headquarters of explorers Lewis & Clark.
P3 - Tsunami, off US 101 - FOUND
'A' Avenue & S. Promenade, Seaside. Provides information about the devastating waves called 'tsunamis' which can strike the Oregon coast and what action should be taken in case of such an occurrence.
P4 - Ecola, US 101 - FOUND
North of Cannon Beach, milepost 27.7. William Clark's visit to this area in 1806 and his purchase of whale oil and blubber from the local Indians.
P5 - Cannon Beach, US 101 - FOUND
Three miles south of Cannon Beach. How Cannon Beach got its name from the 1856 wreck of the Naval schooner Shark.
P6 - Sunset Highway, US 26 - FOUND
Near junction with OR 53. The Sunset Highway is dedicated to members of the 41st Division who wore the Sunset emblem.
P7 - Tillamook Burn, US 26 - FOUND
Sunset Springs Rest Area, west of Portland at milepost 28. Describes the devastating forest fires of 1933, 1939, and 1945 and subsequent reforestation.
P8 - 41st Infantry Division, US 26 - FOUND
Sunset Springs Rest Area, west of Portland at milepost 28. The rest area was dedicated to the 41st Infantry (Sunset) Division.
P9 - Tillamook Burn, OR 6 - FOUND
Thirty-two miles east of Tillamook. The site of disastrous forest fires in 1933, 1939, and 1945.
P10 - Capt. Robert Gray, US 101 - FOUND
1/4 mile north of Garibaldi, milepost 54.8. Capt. Gray was the first known U.S. citizen in recorded history to set foot on the Oregon shoreline in 1788
Around Newport
P11 - Yaquina Bay, US 101
Yaquina Bay Park off Hwy 101, Newport. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse established in 1871.
P12 - Tsunami, off US 101 - FOUND
Newport Bay Aquarium, Ferry Slip Road, Newport. Provides information about the devastating waves called 'tsunamis' which can strike the Oregon coast and what action should be taken in case of such an occurrence.
P13 - First Coastal Expeditions, US 101
In Ona Beach State Park, seven miles south of Newport. First overland treks in 1826-27 led by Alexander McLeod of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Florence to Coquille
P14 - Oregon Coast Indians, OR 126 - Removed due to roadwork
One mile east of Florence. Site of the main village of the Suislaw Indian Tribe and the tribes' association with early fur traders and the U.S. government.
P15 - Jedediah Smith, US 101
1/2 mile north of Reedsport. Trapper and explorer Smith made the first recorded overland trip from California and camped near here in 1828.
P16 - Tsunami, US 101
Visitor's Center in Reedsport at the junction of US 101 and OR 38. Provides information about the devastating waves called 'tsunamis' which can strike the Oregon coast and what action should be taken in case of such an occurrence.
P17 - Scottsburg, OR 38
In Scottsburg. Honors Levi Scott, founder of town, and early area commerce.
P18 - Empire City, OR 240
Coos Bay City Park Boat Ramp, Mill and Holland Streets. Describes the history of the port city from its native origins through its decline after the turn of the 20th century.
P19 - Spruce Soldiers, OR 42
In Sturdivant Park, City of Coquille. Describes the use of Oregon Sitka Spruce in the construction of aircraft during World War 1.
South Coast near Gold Beach
P20 - Cape San Sebastian, US 101
Six miles south of Gold Beach Spanish navigators were the first to explore the North American Pacific Coast.
P21 - Conflict at Pistol River, US 101
Ten miles south of Gold Beach. Site of the battle in the Rogue River Indian Wars, 1856.
P22 - Japanese Attack on Oregon, off US 101
Constitution Avenue, City of Brookings. Describes the first enemy aircraft bombing of the U.S. mainland, an attack launched by the Japanese in September 1942.
PORTLAND METRO
North / West Of Portland
M1 - Deer Island, US 30 - FOUND
In Deer Island, milepost 34. Campsite of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, 1805 and 1806.
M2 - Thomas McKay, US 30 - FOUND
Scappoose, near Old Portland Road. Thomas McKay, Hudson's Bay Company fur trader and operative, died near here.
M3 - Joseph L. Meek, US 26 - FOUND
1.5 miles east of North Plains. The land claim of Meek, mountain man, who helped found the Oregon Provisional Government.
M4 - Willamette Stone, Skyline Blvd - FOUND
W. Burnside Street to Skyline Blvd., Willamette Stone State Park, Portland. Site of the first surveyor's base mark in Pacific Northwest.
East Of Portland
M5 - Troutdale, off I-84 - Could Not Find
Exit 17 to the Troutdale Chamber of Commerce, 338 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy. Pioneer community settled in the 1850's.
M6 - Sandy River Bridge, off I-84 - FOUND
Exit 17 to the Historic Columbia River Highway, at the east end of the Troutdale Bridge. Boat crew of HMS Chatham sights river and names Mt. Hood from here in 1792. How Sandy River received its name.
M7 - Broughton's Expedition, I-84 - FOUND
Columbia River viewpoint, milepost 23 westbound. Furthest point inland reached by British Commander William Broughton sailing up the Columbia River in 1792.
Columbia River/Mt. Hood
M8 - Bonneville, off I-84
Exit 40, near RR underpass into Bonneville Damn Park. Named for famed explorer and Army officer, Captain Benjamin Bonneville, who came to the 'Oregon Country' in 1832.
M9 - Beacon Rock, off I-84
Exit 40, in Bonneville Dam Park. Prominent geographic feature named by Lewis & Clark in 1805.
M10 - Laurel Hill, US 26 - FOUND
Two miles west of Government Camp. Site of the most treacherous descent of the Oregon Trail through Cascade Mountains.
Oregon City
M11 - Oregon City, OR 99E - FOUND
Parking area overlooking the falls. Honors Dr. McLoughlin, pioneers, early Oregon government and many firsts in Oregon.
M12 - Oregon City Falls, OR 99E - FOUND
Parking area overlooking the falls. Notes uses of site ranging from early Indian salmon fishing village to first long-distance hydroelectric power generation in the United States.
M13 - Willamette Falls Locks, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. Series of five locks with a total lift of 50.2 feet opened in 1873.
M14 - Willamette Falls, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. The falls were originally a Native American fishing site and later became the power source for numerous mills and electricity generation.
M15 - Dr. John McLoughlin, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. Dr. John McLoughlin was the Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company and founder of Oregon City.
M16 - George Abernathy, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. George Abernathy was the first Provisional Governor of the Oregon Country.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Northern Valley
V1 - Willamette Post, OR 219
South of Newberg, milepost 24 The first trading post in the Willamette Valley in 1811
V2 - Champoeg State Park, OR 219
Seven miles SE of Newberg at Champoeg State Park, near the pavilion The site where Oregon's provisional constitution as adopted in 1843
V3 - Aurora, OR 99E
In the town of Aurora. Site of a Christian co-operative founded by Dr. Wilhelm Keil.
V4 - Boones Ferry, I-5
Northbound Baldock Rest Area, south of Wilsonville. Tells the history of the Boones Ferry across the Willamette River near this site.
V5 - Boones Landing, of I-5
Boones Ferry Park (next to the Willamette River), Boones Ferry Road, Wilsonville. The establishment of Boones Ferry, Boones Landing (the precursor to the City of Wilsonville) and Boones Ferry Road.
McMinnville to Corvallis
V6 - Dayton Blockhouse, OR 221
Dayton City Park at Third & Main Streets. Fort Yamhill moved to Dayton in 1911. Military Block house was built in 1856
V7 - Glacial Erratics, off OR 18
Seven miles west of McMinnville in Erratic Rock State Park. This fine-grained rock was rafted to this location during catastrophic floods that occurred during the end of the Ice Age.
V8 - Grand Ronde Indian Reservation, OR 18
One quarter mile west of Grand Ronde Road & Hwy 18 intersection. Tells of the forced relocation of inland valley Indians to the Grand Ronde Reservation, their fight for U.S. Government recognition, and their efforts toward economic stability.
V9 - James Nesmith, OR 99W
Polk County Fairgrounds entrance, City of Rickreall. James Nesmith, a leader in early Oregon government, lived near this site.
V10 - Camp Adair, OR 99W
Thirteen miles north of Corvallis. Site where military divisions were trained during World War II.
V11 - Brownsville, OR 228
Two blocks west of Main Street, Brownsville. Describes the ancient beginnings of Brownsville and its evolution of names.
North of Eugene
V12 - Santiam Wagon Road, US 20
At Upper Soda, milepost 52. Founding of the route between central Oregon and the Willamette Valley.
V13 - America's First Transcontinental Automobile Race
On June 23, 1909, a Ford automobile arrives in Seattle from New York City in 23 days flat, completing the first transcontinental automobile race across North America. This Model T Ford arrives first but is disqualified because the drivers changed the engine during the race. The winner (the second to arrive) is a Shawmut. The race is part of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (A-Y-P).
Around Eugene
V14 - Bristow Monument, OR 58
East of Pleasant Hill, milepost 4. Commemorates Bristow as 1846 settler in Lane County.
V15 - Jesse Applegate, OR 99
5.5 miles north of Yoncalla. Homestead of Jesse Applegate, pioneer, statesman, and philosopher
V16 - A Tale of Strong Recovery, I-5
Cabin Creek Rest Area (southbound), 6 miles south of Rice Hill. Story of perserverance and recovery by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians.
Southern Oregon
V17 - Canyon Creek, off I-5
Exit 95, Canyon Creek Road. Route of trappers, Applegate Trail, stage coaches, and freight wagons.
V18 - Homeland of the Cow Creeks, I-5
Cow Creek Rest Area (northbound), 25 miles north of Grants Pass. History of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians.
V19 - Dead Indian Memorial Road, off I-5
Exit 14, 1/2 mile south on Hwy 66. Explains the events leading up to and the reasons for the naming of this road.
CENTRAL OREGON
Between Hood River & Madras
C1 - Memaloose Island, I-84
Site of ancient burial ground for Mid-Columbia Tribes.
C2 - Ancient Indian Fishing Grounds, I-84
Before dam construction on the Columbia River, the falls were ancient fishing grounds of all the Indian tribes of the middle Columbia River area.
C3 - Deschutes River Crossing, Old 30
Point where the Oregon Trail crossed the Hazardous Deschutes River.
C4 - Cutoff to the Barlow Road, US 97
A shortcut to the Barlow Road from the Oregon Trail.
C5 - Sherar's Bridge Area, OR 216
Gateway to Central Oregon crossing the Deschutes River.
C6 - The Dalles to Canyon City Wagon Road, OR 218
The discovery of gold sends thousands of fortune hunters into the upper John Day basin.
C7 - Indian Trails, US 26 - FOUND
Early Indian trails and tracks used by early explorers, trappers and adventurers are noted.
Near Bend
C8 - Peter Skene Ogden, US 97 - FOUND
Ogden State Park - Commemorates the far-ranging chief trapper of the Hudson's Bay Company.
C9 - Prehistoric River, US 20
An Ice Age river flowed across the high desert in the rocky canyon near the marker.
Near Klamath Falls
C10 - Williamson River, US 97
Camp site for the Pacific Railroad survey party in 1855.
C11 - Peter Skene Ogden - Collier SP,US 97
Travels of Ogden and his fur trapping party through Oregon.
C12 - Upper Klamath Lake, off US 97
Klamath Lake wildlife sanctuary and Oregon's largest body of water.
C13 - Applegate Trail, OR 66
Site where Applegate Trail crosses the Klamath River.
South/Central Oregon, North of Lakeview
C14 - Fort Rock, OR 31
Near here some of the earliest known inhabitants of this continent lived.
C15 - Fremont Memorial, OR 31
A memorial to the 1843-44 John Fremont expedition to Oregon and California.
C16 - Abert Rim, OR 31
Abert Rim, a 2,500-foot fault scarp, is one of the highest in the United States.
C17 - Abert Rim, US 395
Abert Rim,a 2,500-foot fault scarp, is one of the highest in the United States.
EASTERN OREGON
Near Heppner
E1 - Heppner Flood, OR 74
Describes the devastating flood of 1903 which destroyed nearly the entire town of Heppner.
E2 - Battle Mountain, US 395
Site of a decisive engagement of the Bannock War July 8, 1878.
Pendleton/La Grande
E3 - Umatilla County, US 30
Campsite of emigrants on the Oregon Trail in Umatilla County.
E4 - Pendleton, US 30
Campground for the Astor Party and emigrants on the Oregon Trail.
E5 - Meacham, Old US 30
Originally Lee's Encampment, later site of the "Mountain House." Honored by visit of President Harding in 1923.
E6 - Historic La Grande, US 30
La Grande was the first town permanently settled in Northestern Oregon.
Near Baker City
E7 - Marie Dorion, OR 237
Madam Dorion was a woman of courage and member of the Wilson Price Hunt Expedition of 1811-12.
E8 - Cattle Drives, US 30
The old Oregon Cattle Trail along which up to 100,000 head of cattle were driven to eastern buyers.
E9 - Baker, I-84
Baker City is recognized for its place in the early transportation system for gold discovery.
E10 - The Lone Tree of the Oregon Trail, OR 86
Tells the story of the tree that served as a landmark for Indians, trappers and Oregon Trail emigrants.
E11 - Lure of Gold, OR 86
Gold mining drew emigrants from the east and west along the Oregon Trail
E12 - Durkee, Old 30
Durkee was a favorite emigrant campground and later a relay and stage station.
East of Canyon City
E13 - Farewell Bend, off I-84
Famous camping spot and the last sight of the Snake River for the westbound emigrants.
E14 - Eldorado Ditch, US 26
Describes the history of the controversial ditch built from 1863 to 1878 to carry water for gold mining.
Near Enterprise
E15 - Nez Perce, OR 82
Homeland of the Nez Perce Chief Joseph.
E16 - Wallowa Lake, OR 82
Wallowa Lake was created by the advance and retreat of alpine glaciers.
Near Burns
E17 - Bannock War, US 20
Site of the decisive battle between US troops and the Bannock and Paiute Indians.
E18 - Homeland of the Burns Pauite, US 20
History of the Wadatika band of Northern Paiute Indians.
E19 - American Indian Seasonal Round, OR 205
Describes the seasonal round of gathering food and plant material by the ancestors of the Paiute Tribe.
E20 - The Terrible Trail, US 20
While trying to find their way into the upper Williamette Valley, emigrants traveled an alternate route that started in present-day Vale and traversed the desert near this site.
E21 - Fort Harney, US 20
History of the U.S. military post, 1867-1889.
E22 - Great Basin, US 20
Northern limit of the interior expanse known as the Great Basin.
Near Vale
E23 - Peter Skene Ogden, US 20
Peter Skene Ogden, leader of five expeditions into "Snake Country."
E24 - Malheur Crossing, US 20
Oregon Trail crossing at the Malheur River.
E25 - South Alternate Route of the Oregon Trail, OR 18
Describes the pioneer route along the Snake River.
OREGON COAST
North Coast
P1 - Fort Stevens, off US 101 - FOUND
In Ft. Stevens State Park. History of the area, land uses, and the naming of Fort Stevens.
P2 - Fort Clatsop, off US 101 - FOUND
Near Ft. Clatsop National Memorial, south of Astoria. The 1805-1806 winter headquarters of explorers Lewis & Clark.
P3 - Tsunami, off US 101 - FOUND
'A' Avenue & S. Promenade, Seaside. Provides information about the devastating waves called 'tsunamis' which can strike the Oregon coast and what action should be taken in case of such an occurrence.
P4 - Ecola, US 101 - FOUND
North of Cannon Beach, milepost 27.7. William Clark's visit to this area in 1806 and his purchase of whale oil and blubber from the local Indians.
P5 - Cannon Beach, US 101 - FOUND
Three miles south of Cannon Beach. How Cannon Beach got its name from the 1856 wreck of the Naval schooner Shark.
P6 - Sunset Highway, US 26 - FOUND
Near junction with OR 53. The Sunset Highway is dedicated to members of the 41st Division who wore the Sunset emblem.
P7 - Tillamook Burn, US 26 - FOUND
Sunset Springs Rest Area, west of Portland at milepost 28. Describes the devastating forest fires of 1933, 1939, and 1945 and subsequent reforestation.
P8 - 41st Infantry Division, US 26 - FOUND
Sunset Springs Rest Area, west of Portland at milepost 28. The rest area was dedicated to the 41st Infantry (Sunset) Division.
P9 - Tillamook Burn, OR 6 - FOUND
Thirty-two miles east of Tillamook. The site of disastrous forest fires in 1933, 1939, and 1945.
P10 - Capt. Robert Gray, US 101 - FOUND
1/4 mile north of Garibaldi, milepost 54.8. Capt. Gray was the first known U.S. citizen in recorded history to set foot on the Oregon shoreline in 1788
Around Newport
P11 - Yaquina Bay, US 101
Yaquina Bay Park off Hwy 101, Newport. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse established in 1871.
P12 - Tsunami, off US 101 - FOUND
Newport Bay Aquarium, Ferry Slip Road, Newport. Provides information about the devastating waves called 'tsunamis' which can strike the Oregon coast and what action should be taken in case of such an occurrence.
P13 - First Coastal Expeditions, US 101
In Ona Beach State Park, seven miles south of Newport. First overland treks in 1826-27 led by Alexander McLeod of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Florence to Coquille
P14 - Oregon Coast Indians, OR 126 - Removed due to roadwork
One mile east of Florence. Site of the main village of the Suislaw Indian Tribe and the tribes' association with early fur traders and the U.S. government.
P15 - Jedediah Smith, US 101
1/2 mile north of Reedsport. Trapper and explorer Smith made the first recorded overland trip from California and camped near here in 1828.
P16 - Tsunami, US 101
Visitor's Center in Reedsport at the junction of US 101 and OR 38. Provides information about the devastating waves called 'tsunamis' which can strike the Oregon coast and what action should be taken in case of such an occurrence.
P17 - Scottsburg, OR 38
In Scottsburg. Honors Levi Scott, founder of town, and early area commerce.
P18 - Empire City, OR 240
Coos Bay City Park Boat Ramp, Mill and Holland Streets. Describes the history of the port city from its native origins through its decline after the turn of the 20th century.
P19 - Spruce Soldiers, OR 42
In Sturdivant Park, City of Coquille. Describes the use of Oregon Sitka Spruce in the construction of aircraft during World War 1.
South Coast near Gold Beach
P20 - Cape San Sebastian, US 101
Six miles south of Gold Beach Spanish navigators were the first to explore the North American Pacific Coast.
P21 - Conflict at Pistol River, US 101
Ten miles south of Gold Beach. Site of the battle in the Rogue River Indian Wars, 1856.
P22 - Japanese Attack on Oregon, off US 101
Constitution Avenue, City of Brookings. Describes the first enemy aircraft bombing of the U.S. mainland, an attack launched by the Japanese in September 1942.
PORTLAND METRO
North / West Of Portland
M1 - Deer Island, US 30 - FOUND
In Deer Island, milepost 34. Campsite of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, 1805 and 1806.
M2 - Thomas McKay, US 30 - FOUND
Scappoose, near Old Portland Road. Thomas McKay, Hudson's Bay Company fur trader and operative, died near here.
M3 - Joseph L. Meek, US 26 - FOUND
1.5 miles east of North Plains. The land claim of Meek, mountain man, who helped found the Oregon Provisional Government.
M4 - Willamette Stone, Skyline Blvd - FOUND
W. Burnside Street to Skyline Blvd., Willamette Stone State Park, Portland. Site of the first surveyor's base mark in Pacific Northwest.
East Of Portland
M5 - Troutdale, off I-84 - Could Not Find
Exit 17 to the Troutdale Chamber of Commerce, 338 E. Historic Columbia River Hwy. Pioneer community settled in the 1850's.
M6 - Sandy River Bridge, off I-84 - FOUND
Exit 17 to the Historic Columbia River Highway, at the east end of the Troutdale Bridge. Boat crew of HMS Chatham sights river and names Mt. Hood from here in 1792. How Sandy River received its name.
M7 - Broughton's Expedition, I-84 - FOUND
Columbia River viewpoint, milepost 23 westbound. Furthest point inland reached by British Commander William Broughton sailing up the Columbia River in 1792.
Columbia River/Mt. Hood
M8 - Bonneville, off I-84
Exit 40, near RR underpass into Bonneville Damn Park. Named for famed explorer and Army officer, Captain Benjamin Bonneville, who came to the 'Oregon Country' in 1832.
M9 - Beacon Rock, off I-84
Exit 40, in Bonneville Dam Park. Prominent geographic feature named by Lewis & Clark in 1805.
M10 - Laurel Hill, US 26 - FOUND
Two miles west of Government Camp. Site of the most treacherous descent of the Oregon Trail through Cascade Mountains.
Oregon City
M11 - Oregon City, OR 99E - FOUND
Parking area overlooking the falls. Honors Dr. McLoughlin, pioneers, early Oregon government and many firsts in Oregon.
M12 - Oregon City Falls, OR 99E - FOUND
Parking area overlooking the falls. Notes uses of site ranging from early Indian salmon fishing village to first long-distance hydroelectric power generation in the United States.
M13 - Willamette Falls Locks, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. Series of five locks with a total lift of 50.2 feet opened in 1873.
M14 - Willamette Falls, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. The falls were originally a Native American fishing site and later became the power source for numerous mills and electricity generation.
M15 - Dr. John McLoughlin, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. Dr. John McLoughlin was the Chief Factor of the Hudson's Bay Company and founder of Oregon City.
M16 - George Abernathy, I-205 - FOUND
West Linn viewpoint, eastbound at milepost 7.7. George Abernathy was the first Provisional Governor of the Oregon Country.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Northern Valley
V1 - Willamette Post, OR 219
South of Newberg, milepost 24 The first trading post in the Willamette Valley in 1811
V2 - Champoeg State Park, OR 219
Seven miles SE of Newberg at Champoeg State Park, near the pavilion The site where Oregon's provisional constitution as adopted in 1843
V3 - Aurora, OR 99E
In the town of Aurora. Site of a Christian co-operative founded by Dr. Wilhelm Keil.
V4 - Boones Ferry, I-5
Northbound Baldock Rest Area, south of Wilsonville. Tells the history of the Boones Ferry across the Willamette River near this site.
V5 - Boones Landing, of I-5
Boones Ferry Park (next to the Willamette River), Boones Ferry Road, Wilsonville. The establishment of Boones Ferry, Boones Landing (the precursor to the City of Wilsonville) and Boones Ferry Road.
McMinnville to Corvallis
V6 - Dayton Blockhouse, OR 221
Dayton City Park at Third & Main Streets. Fort Yamhill moved to Dayton in 1911. Military Block house was built in 1856
V7 - Glacial Erratics, off OR 18
Seven miles west of McMinnville in Erratic Rock State Park. This fine-grained rock was rafted to this location during catastrophic floods that occurred during the end of the Ice Age.
V8 - Grand Ronde Indian Reservation, OR 18
One quarter mile west of Grand Ronde Road & Hwy 18 intersection. Tells of the forced relocation of inland valley Indians to the Grand Ronde Reservation, their fight for U.S. Government recognition, and their efforts toward economic stability.
V9 - James Nesmith, OR 99W
Polk County Fairgrounds entrance, City of Rickreall. James Nesmith, a leader in early Oregon government, lived near this site.
V10 - Camp Adair, OR 99W
Thirteen miles north of Corvallis. Site where military divisions were trained during World War II.
V11 - Brownsville, OR 228
Two blocks west of Main Street, Brownsville. Describes the ancient beginnings of Brownsville and its evolution of names.
North of Eugene
V12 - Santiam Wagon Road, US 20
At Upper Soda, milepost 52. Founding of the route between central Oregon and the Willamette Valley.
V13 - America's First Transcontinental Automobile Race
On June 23, 1909, a Ford automobile arrives in Seattle from New York City in 23 days flat, completing the first transcontinental automobile race across North America. This Model T Ford arrives first but is disqualified because the drivers changed the engine during the race. The winner (the second to arrive) is a Shawmut. The race is part of Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (A-Y-P).
Around Eugene
V14 - Bristow Monument, OR 58
East of Pleasant Hill, milepost 4. Commemorates Bristow as 1846 settler in Lane County.
V15 - Jesse Applegate, OR 99
5.5 miles north of Yoncalla. Homestead of Jesse Applegate, pioneer, statesman, and philosopher
V16 - A Tale of Strong Recovery, I-5
Cabin Creek Rest Area (southbound), 6 miles south of Rice Hill. Story of perserverance and recovery by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians.
Southern Oregon
V17 - Canyon Creek, off I-5
Exit 95, Canyon Creek Road. Route of trappers, Applegate Trail, stage coaches, and freight wagons.
V18 - Homeland of the Cow Creeks, I-5
Cow Creek Rest Area (northbound), 25 miles north of Grants Pass. History of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Indians.
V19 - Dead Indian Memorial Road, off I-5
Exit 14, 1/2 mile south on Hwy 66. Explains the events leading up to and the reasons for the naming of this road.
CENTRAL OREGON
Between Hood River & Madras
C1 - Memaloose Island, I-84
Site of ancient burial ground for Mid-Columbia Tribes.
C2 - Ancient Indian Fishing Grounds, I-84
Before dam construction on the Columbia River, the falls were ancient fishing grounds of all the Indian tribes of the middle Columbia River area.
C3 - Deschutes River Crossing, Old 30
Point where the Oregon Trail crossed the Hazardous Deschutes River.
C4 - Cutoff to the Barlow Road, US 97
A shortcut to the Barlow Road from the Oregon Trail.
C5 - Sherar's Bridge Area, OR 216
Gateway to Central Oregon crossing the Deschutes River.
C6 - The Dalles to Canyon City Wagon Road, OR 218
The discovery of gold sends thousands of fortune hunters into the upper John Day basin.
C7 - Indian Trails, US 26 - FOUND
Early Indian trails and tracks used by early explorers, trappers and adventurers are noted.
Near Bend
C8 - Peter Skene Ogden, US 97 - FOUND
Ogden State Park - Commemorates the far-ranging chief trapper of the Hudson's Bay Company.
C9 - Prehistoric River, US 20
An Ice Age river flowed across the high desert in the rocky canyon near the marker.
Near Klamath Falls
C10 - Williamson River, US 97
Camp site for the Pacific Railroad survey party in 1855.
C11 - Peter Skene Ogden - Collier SP,US 97
Travels of Ogden and his fur trapping party through Oregon.
C12 - Upper Klamath Lake, off US 97
Klamath Lake wildlife sanctuary and Oregon's largest body of water.
C13 - Applegate Trail, OR 66
Site where Applegate Trail crosses the Klamath River.
South/Central Oregon, North of Lakeview
C14 - Fort Rock, OR 31
Near here some of the earliest known inhabitants of this continent lived.
C15 - Fremont Memorial, OR 31
A memorial to the 1843-44 John Fremont expedition to Oregon and California.
C16 - Abert Rim, OR 31
Abert Rim, a 2,500-foot fault scarp, is one of the highest in the United States.
C17 - Abert Rim, US 395
Abert Rim,a 2,500-foot fault scarp, is one of the highest in the United States.
EASTERN OREGON
Near Heppner
E1 - Heppner Flood, OR 74
Describes the devastating flood of 1903 which destroyed nearly the entire town of Heppner.
E2 - Battle Mountain, US 395
Site of a decisive engagement of the Bannock War July 8, 1878.
Pendleton/La Grande
E3 - Umatilla County, US 30
Campsite of emigrants on the Oregon Trail in Umatilla County.
E4 - Pendleton, US 30
Campground for the Astor Party and emigrants on the Oregon Trail.
E5 - Meacham, Old US 30
Originally Lee's Encampment, later site of the "Mountain House." Honored by visit of President Harding in 1923.
E6 - Historic La Grande, US 30
La Grande was the first town permanently settled in Northestern Oregon.
Near Baker City
E7 - Marie Dorion, OR 237
Madam Dorion was a woman of courage and member of the Wilson Price Hunt Expedition of 1811-12.
E8 - Cattle Drives, US 30
The old Oregon Cattle Trail along which up to 100,000 head of cattle were driven to eastern buyers.
E9 - Baker, I-84
Baker City is recognized for its place in the early transportation system for gold discovery.
E10 - The Lone Tree of the Oregon Trail, OR 86
Tells the story of the tree that served as a landmark for Indians, trappers and Oregon Trail emigrants.
E11 - Lure of Gold, OR 86
Gold mining drew emigrants from the east and west along the Oregon Trail
E12 - Durkee, Old 30
Durkee was a favorite emigrant campground and later a relay and stage station.
East of Canyon City
E13 - Farewell Bend, off I-84
Famous camping spot and the last sight of the Snake River for the westbound emigrants.
E14 - Eldorado Ditch, US 26
Describes the history of the controversial ditch built from 1863 to 1878 to carry water for gold mining.
Near Enterprise
E15 - Nez Perce, OR 82
Homeland of the Nez Perce Chief Joseph.
E16 - Wallowa Lake, OR 82
Wallowa Lake was created by the advance and retreat of alpine glaciers.
Near Burns
E17 - Bannock War, US 20
Site of the decisive battle between US troops and the Bannock and Paiute Indians.
E18 - Homeland of the Burns Pauite, US 20
History of the Wadatika band of Northern Paiute Indians.
E19 - American Indian Seasonal Round, OR 205
Describes the seasonal round of gathering food and plant material by the ancestors of the Paiute Tribe.
E20 - The Terrible Trail, US 20
While trying to find their way into the upper Williamette Valley, emigrants traveled an alternate route that started in present-day Vale and traversed the desert near this site.
E21 - Fort Harney, US 20
History of the U.S. military post, 1867-1889.
E22 - Great Basin, US 20
Northern limit of the interior expanse known as the Great Basin.
Near Vale
E23 - Peter Skene Ogden, US 20
Peter Skene Ogden, leader of five expeditions into "Snake Country."
E24 - Malheur Crossing, US 20
Oregon Trail crossing at the Malheur River.
E25 - South Alternate Route of the Oregon Trail, OR 18
Describes the pioneer route along the Snake River.
