National Register Listing

Aurora Colony Historic District

Roughly bounded by Cemetery Rd., Bobs Ave., and Liberty St., Aurora, OR
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Oregon is home to the largest living organism in the world, the Armillaria ostoyae fungus. The fungus covers over 2,200 acres of forest and is estimated to be over 2,400 years old.
Oregon random facts
Marion County, Oregon, has a rich history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kalapuya people, who had a thriving culture and a close connection to the land. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive, with the first permanent settlement established in the Willamette Valley in 1812.

The region's development accelerated with the Oregon Trail, which brought thousands of pioneers to the area in the mid-1800s. Marion County was established on July 5, 1843, and named after Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero. The county became an important agricultural center, with large-scale farming and timber industries driving its economy.

Marion County played a significant role in the formation of the state government. In 1851, Salem became the capital of Oregon, a decision that still stands today. The county has witnessed important political events, including discussions surrounding the formation of the Oregon State Constitution. Additionally, during the Civil War, the area was impacted by tensions between settlers supporting the Union and those sympathetic to the Confederate cause.

Over time, Marion County grew and diversified economically. The agriculture industry expanded with the cultivation of hops, berries, and Christmas trees, in addition to traditional crops. The county also witnessed the development of various industries, including lumber, manufacturing, and healthcare. Today, Marion County continues to thrive as a vibrant hub of agriculture, commerce, and cultural heritage, home to a diverse population and a range of recreational opportunities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Marion County, Oregon.

  • 1843: Marion County is organized as part of the Oregon Territory.
  • 1846: The French Prairie settlement is established in present-day Marion County.
  • 1849: Marion County becomes an official county in the Oregon Territory.
  • 1851: The city of Salem is designated as the county seat of Marion County.
  • 1855: The construction of the Oregon State Hospital begins in Salem.
  • 1864: The Oregon Pacific Railroad reaches Salem, improving transportation in the area.
  • 1873: The town of Woodburn is incorporated in Marion County.
  • 1902: The Chemawa Indian School opens in Keizer, providing education for Native American children.
  • 1939: Silver Falls State Park is established, offering outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • 1988: The Oregon Garden is opened in Silverton, showcasing a variety of plant species.
  • 2009: Marion County celebrates its 100th year as an official county in the state of Oregon.