Oregon City, Oregon

Oregon City is the first city in the United States incorporated west of the Rockies. It is the county seat of Clackamas County, Oregon. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 25,754.

Geography

Oregon City is located at 45°20'51" North, 122°35'52" West (45.347393, -122.597879){{GR|1}}.

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.6 km² (8.4 mi²). 21.1 km² (8.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.52% water. The Willamette River flows along the northwest side of Oregon City, and the Clackamas River merges with the larger river to the north of the city, providing recreational facilities.

Related Topics:
United States Census Bureau - Km² - Mi² - Willamette River - Clackamas River

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The Willamette Locks in Oregon City were the first multi-lift navigational locks in the United States and are now a National Historical Site, although still in use. The first long-distance electrical service in the United States was also located in Oregon City.

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The town is divided into upper and lower areas; the lower area is on a bench next to the Willamette River, and the upper area atop a bluff composed of Columbia Plateau basalt. For many years, Indian trails connected the two, but stairs were built in the 19th century. In 1915 the town built the water-powered Oregon City Municipal Elevator to connect the two parts, which was converted to electricity in the 1920s. In 1952, a new electric elevator was constructed with the specification that it was to be "as plain as possible and without ornament".

Related Topics:
Columbia Plateau - Basalt - 19th century - Oregon City Municipal Elevator - 1920s

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