Siuslaw River Bridge
Historical marker location:
1252 Bay Street, Florence, Oregon
( Marker is on Bay Street east of Oregon Coast Highway (U.S. 101), on the right when traveling east.)
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The name "Oregon" comes from a mistake. The name was first used by French Canadian explorers who mispronounced the word "Ouragan" which means "hurricane" in French. They used it to describe the powerful Columbia River, and the name stuck.
About Lane County
Lane County Timeline
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.
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.
Lane County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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.