Eugene History, Oregon

Eugene, OR US - History: City known for park-like appearance in 40s

In June 1846, Mr. Skinner established a donation land claim and a small cabin on the west side of Skinner’s Butte using it as a trading post and later as a post office. There he founded the town of Eugene city Oregon on June 6, 1853. The city got incorporated in 1862 and later changed its name to simply ‘Eugene’. In 1865, First elections for the city council were held. The Board of Trustees or Council comprised of a president, street commissioner, treasurer, recorder, marshal and 6 trustees.

In 1871, transportation received a great jump forward. Oregon-California Railway was finished to Eugene in the same year. Agriculture, transportation and milling were the main industry during early years in Eugene. It had a steady steamship trade conducted with Portland from the late 1850’s until 1871, when constructions of the Oregon and California rail road bought a close to water transportation. When Civil War was nearing its end, Eugene’s population climbed to 1,200 residents. In the meantime, the city was getting highly industrialized and had lumbering as its principal industry.

Eugene was also the site for box factories, planning mills, shingle mills and sawmills. Balm trees and cotton wood indigenous for the area were utilized for producing excelsior. Along with the development, however Eugene maintains an inhabitable atmosphere for its residence. By 1940s, city was distinguished for its park like appearance: comfortable & well-kept houses set within landscaped lawn and shed trees line by streets. A slowdown in the timber industry during the early 1980 halted expansion.

Eugene’s population steadily expanded throughout the first portion of the 20th century and reached around 51,000 people by 1967. In 1980, population of the city almost doubled. Kalapuya Indians were amongst the first to live in Willamette Valley. According to archeological evidence, Kalapuya occupied this area for several centuries. They frequently burned grasses in the valley for clearing bushes and providing an improved habitat for vegetations.

In 1864, first telegraph was delivered from Portland to the city. Eugene transformed to a stagecoach stop during 1865 when Territorial road reached the city. The University of Oregon was formally established there in 1872 and opened in 1876.

You’ll find that the city is small enough for biking across. However, it is large enough for offering music venue, galleries and great restaurants. Today, it’s a complete different experience while being a part of the city.

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