Portland Oregon History

The spot on the banks of the Willamette River now known as Portland was originally called "The Clearing." In 1843, William Overton began to develop the area, but he soon sold half his claim to Francis Pettygrove of Portland, Maine. The two partners flipped a coin, agreeing to name the new settlement after the winner's home town. Pettygrove won, and the United States gained cities named Portland on both its coasts.

Oregon's territorial capital was 12 miles upstream of Portland and it drew more early development, but ultimately, Portland's better position at the head of Willamette River navigation won out. By 1850, Portland boasted about 800 inhabitants, a sawmill and hotel.

Portland remained a major port until the 1890s, when the railroad reached Seattle, and goods could be transported overland into Oregon rather than navigating dangerous waters at the mouth of the Columbia River. By the early twentieth century, Portland became a center of the lumber industry.