Linn County is a county in Oregon, bordered by the Cascade Range to the east and the Willamette River to the west. It was named after Lewis F. Linn, a U.S. Senator from Missouri who advocated for the Oregon Territory's admission to the Union. Here are seven interesting historical facts about Linn County:
1. The first known European to visit Linn County was an American trapper named Jedediah Smith, who traveled through the area in 1828. He named the Calapooia River after the local Native American tribe.
2. In 1847, a group of pioneers known as the Applegate Trail Company opened a wagon road through Linn County, which became a major route for settlers traveling to the Willamette Valley. The road followed the South Santiam River and passed through present-day Sweet Home.
3. Linn County was established on December 28, 1847, making it one of the original counties in the Oregon Territory. At the time, it encompassed most of the present-day state.
4. The city of Albany, the county seat of Linn County, was founded in 1848. It was named after Albany, New York, the hometown of one of its founders. Albany grew rapidly during the mid-19th century, thanks in part to its location on the Willamette River, which made it a natural transportation hub.
5. Linn County played a key role in the early years of the Oregon Trail. Many wagon trains departed from Missouri and other states in the Midwest and traveled overland to Oregon, passing through Linn County on their way.
6. In the late 1800s, Linn County was known for its timber resources. The Santiam Lumber Company, one of the largest logging operations in the Pacific Northwest, was based in Sweet Home and employed hundreds of workers.
7. During World War II, Linn County was home to several military training facilities, including the Camp Adair Army Base, which trained soldiers for combat in Europe. After the war ended, the base was decommissioned and much of the land was converted to agriculture.
In conclusion, Linn County has a rich and varied history that spans from the days of the Oregon Trail to the modern era. From its role in the expansion of the United States to its contributions to the war effort during World War II, Linn County has played an important part in shaping the state of Oregon and the nation as a whole.
← Older Post Newer Post →