Historical Markers in
Lane County, Oregon

A Battle With the Elements A Fittin' Tribute A Trail by Any Other Name A.W. and Amanda Patterson Home Al Gore (2007) American Friends Service Committee (1947) American Nobel Peace Laureates Barack Obama (2009) Bristow Monument Building a Bridge Charles G. Dawes (1925) Cordell Hull (1945) Cottage Grove Historical Museum Crossing the Calapooya Mountains Dee Wright Observatory Designed for Seafarer Safety Elie Wiesel (1986) Elihu Root (1912) Elijah Bristow Ellis F. Lawrence Emily Balch (1946) Eugene Skinner Eugene Skinner Settled Here in 1846 Florence: Industrial Beginnings Frank Kellogg (1929) Free Emigrant Road Free Emigrant Road Frontier Life Frontier Life Genesis of a City George C. Marshall (1953) Goodpasture Bridge Granite Glacial Erratic Harbor Theater Hard Work at a Lonely Light Heceta Head Lightstation Henry Kissinger (1973) International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (1985) Jane Addams (1931) Jimmy Carter (2002) Jody Williams (1997) John Mott (1946) Junction City — A Brief History Junction City’s First Jail Lee House Linus Pauling (1962) Locomotive 418 Lowell Covered Bridge Lowell Prospers Lowell Prospers Mapleton Depot Martin Luther King, Jr. (1964) Navigating the Siuslaw River Nicolas Murray Butler (1931) Norman Borlaug (1970) Old Wagon Road Patterson Home Site / Animal House Petrified Wood Pioneer Mailman Ralph J. Bunche (1950) River Road Road Behind And Sea Beyond Scott Road Shelton – McMurphey House Site of First Cabin in Eugene Siuslaw River Bridge Siuslaw River Bridge: Construction & Design Smithfield Technology Spans The Applegate Trail The Applegate Trail - Southern Route to Oregon The Centennial Bridge The Changing Trail to Oregon The Collier House The International Campaign to Ban Landmines (1997) The Kyle Building Theodore Roosevelt (1906) Touring the Past Welcome to Historic Old Town West Side Old Territorial Road Wiley Griffon Wisely Reasoned Woodrow Wilson (1919) Yabes, Maximo “The Struggle Has Ended”
The Willamette Meteorite, the largest meteorite found in North America and the sixth largest in the world, was discovered in Oregon in 1902. It weighs over 15.5 tons and is estimated to be over 10,000 years old.
Oregon random facts
Lane County, located in the state of Oregon, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Kalapuya people. They thrived off the natural resources provided by the region's fertile valleys and abundant rivers.

The first European explorers arrived in the area during the early 19th century, with trappers and fur traders venturing into the Willamette Valley. In the 1840s, a pioneer settlement was established near present-day Eugene by Eugene Skinner. This settlement became a center for trading, services, and transportation, eventually evolving into the city of Eugene.

The 1850s brought significant transformations to Lane County with the discovery of gold in the Oregon region, leading to an influx of settlers. As more people arrived, farming and logging became major industries. Agriculture in Lane County produced crops such as wheat, hops, and fruit, while logging contributed to the county's economy by providing timber for construction.

In the late 19th century, transportation in Lane County saw improvements as railroads connected the region to other parts of Oregon. This allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, leading to further growth and development in the county. Over time, Lane County became known for its natural beauty, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to its many recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and camping.

Today, Lane County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. It is home to several colleges and universities, including the University of Oregon. The county's economy has diversified to include manufacturing, technology, and healthcare alongside its traditional agricultural and forestry industries. Lane County's rich history and natural resources have contributed to its growth and made it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lane County, Oregon.

  • 1851 - Lane County is created on January 13, 1851, as one of the original four districts in the Oregon Territory.
  • 1853 - Eugene City is officially incorporated on January 23, 1853.
  • 1864 - The University of Oregon is established in Eugene on October 12, 1864.
  • 1872 - The first railroad reaches Eugene in 1872.
  • 1911 - The McKenzie Pass Highway, a scenic road through the Cascade Mountains, is completed on July 1, 1911.
  • 1938 - The Oregon Country Fair, an annual arts and music festival, is first held in Veneta in 1969.
  • 1954 - The construction of the Dorena Dam on the Row River is completed in 1954.
  • 1970 - The Mount Pisgah Arboretum is established in 1970.
  • 1990 - The Hult Center for the Performing Arts opens in Downtown Eugene in 1982.
  • 2004 - The Lane Events Center and Fairgrounds undergo a major renovation in 2004.