Portland

Portland, the metropolis of Oregon and the county seat of Multnomah County, is situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, about 112 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The largest ocean going ships call at Portland, connecting it with all important Pacific Coast ports and with the Orient. Rail transportation is afforded by the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Canadian Pacific, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific, Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroads.

DESCRIPTION

Portland is built on both sides of the Willamette River, which is spanned by several handsome bridges. The city rises gradually from each bank of the river; nearest the water are the factories and warehouses; the business districts are next and on the highest ground, backed by beautiful woodland, are the residential sections. In the western part of Portland is a hill, Council Crest, from which an excellent view of the forests, mountains and the valleys of the Willamette and Columbia are to be had. The scenic beauty of the surrounding country - dense forests, Mounts Rainier and Hood, broad, swift rivers and numerous waterfalls - attract many people to the city each year.

The park system comprises about 700 acres; Washington Park, Mount Tabor Park, Macleay Park and Peninsula Park, the latter containing the first sunken gardens in the United States, are highly attractive. The city has a zoological garden, and in the parks and at other points stone or bronze statues have been placed.

All of the municipal and county buildings are attractive, as are the Federal building, custom house, Industrial Exposition building, Chamber of Commerce building, Union Station and numerous modern office buildings.

Educational and other institutions of importance are Columbia University, Hill Military Academy, public library, the medical college of the state university, College of Dentistry and Pharmacy, commercial schools and private schools, Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Vincent's Hospital.

INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE

Portland is the natural commercial outlet for a great sweep of fertile agricultural land and for another section in which the lumber industry flourishes. Grain, flour, lumber, canned salmon and dressed meats are the most important items of trade. Manufacturing is well established; the chief products of the city's factories are structural iron, harness and other leather goods, clothing, paint, furniture, soap, boats and ships, foundry and machine shop products, sash and doors, stoves, flour and woolen goods. There is a dry dock in which the largest ships can be accommodated.

HISTORY

Portland was founded in 1845 by two New Englanders, Lovejoy and Pettygrove, and was named for Portland, Maine. In 1851 it was chartered as a city, and after 1870 its growth was very rapid. In the latter year the inhabitants numbered 8,293, while in 1920 they numbered 258,288. In 1905 the Lewis and Clark Exposition was held here, and in 1913 the commission form of government was adopted.

Rev 2002-01-15