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History of Eugene, Oregon, USA
Journey back in time to Eugene, Oregon, USA
Explore Eugene, Oregon, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Eugene


Oregonian Microbrew and Rain Expertise Mug
Celebrate your love for the unique charms of Oregon with our "Oregonian Microbrew & Rain Expertise Mug." This Oregon-inspired mug is perfect for anyone who proudly hails from the Beaver State. With the witty caption, "I'm from Oregon! That explains a lot about my love for microbreweries and my ability to identify at least four types of rain," this mug is sure to spark conversations and bring smiles.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Discover Eugene: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1876 - University of Oregon opened in Eugene. Deady Hall was the first building on campus and still exists.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ oregon.html
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ oregon.html
1895 - Eugene
Eugene, a post-village, capital of Lane co, on the Willamette River, at the head of steamboat navigation, and on the Oregon & California Railroad, 124 miles S. of Portland, and 45 miles S. of Albany. It has a court-house, 12 churches, and manufactures of carriages, flour, furniture, lumber, and leather. It is the site of the new state university, and is partly surrounded by an amphitheatre of low mountains. Two newspapers are published here. Pop. about 4000.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Eugene, a post-village, capital of Lane co, on the Willamette River, at the head of steamboat navigation, and on the Oregon & California Railroad, 124 miles S. of Portland, and 45 miles S. of Albany. It has a court-house, 12 churches, and manufactures of carriages, flour, furniture, lumber, and leather. It is the site of the new state university, and is partly surrounded by an amphitheatre of low mountains. Two newspapers are published here. Pop. about 4000.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1908 - TRAIN STRIKES BULL; 4 PERSONS KILLED
Eugene, Ore., Aug. 24. - Four persons were killed near there last night when the Cottage Grove local train of the Southern Pacific struck a bull on the track and piled up in the ditch. The dead are:
John NICHOLS, Portland, engineer;
Frank BUTLER, Portland, fireman;
Ray SWARTZ, Junction City, Ore.;
George BAILEY, Eugene, Ore.
Aberdeen Daily American
Aberdeen, South Dakota
August 25, 1908
Eugene, Ore., Aug. 24. - Four persons were killed near there last night when the Cottage Grove local train of the Southern Pacific struck a bull on the track and piled up in the ditch. The dead are:
John NICHOLS, Portland, engineer;
Frank BUTLER, Portland, fireman;
Ray SWARTZ, Junction City, Ore.;
George BAILEY, Eugene, Ore.
Aberdeen Daily American
Aberdeen, South Dakota
August 25, 1908
1915 - Boy, 7, Dies In River - Men Who Can’t Swim See Lad Drowns At Eugene.
Pulmotor on Hand But Useless Because Body Is Not Recovered for Three Hours.
Eugene, Or., June 5.-(Special.)-Irwin Nestle, 7 year-old-son of N.L. Nestle, was drowned in the Willamette River today. The accident occurred within a few feet of his own backdoor, where his mother was at work. Several men saw him slip off the end of the log where he and his 10-year-old brother were playing. They watched the little body, not 50 feet away, just the head on the surface and the little arms struggling as it floated away. None could swim.
The mother stood beside a pulmotor and watched the men searching for the body a moment afterward.
“They say that they can revive them with that if they find them within an hour of the time they go down Oh if they could only find him,” she said, not taking her eyes from the river.
The body was not found for three hours.
Oregonian
Portland, Oregon
June 6, 1915
Pulmotor on Hand But Useless Because Body Is Not Recovered for Three Hours.
Eugene, Or., June 5.-(Special.)-Irwin Nestle, 7 year-old-son of N.L. Nestle, was drowned in the Willamette River today. The accident occurred within a few feet of his own backdoor, where his mother was at work. Several men saw him slip off the end of the log where he and his 10-year-old brother were playing. They watched the little body, not 50 feet away, just the head on the surface and the little arms struggling as it floated away. None could swim.
The mother stood beside a pulmotor and watched the men searching for the body a moment afterward.
“They say that they can revive them with that if they find them within an hour of the time they go down Oh if they could only find him,” she said, not taking her eyes from the river.
The body was not found for three hours.
Oregonian
Portland, Oregon
June 6, 1915
1916
Eugene, a banking city, capital of Lane co., Oregon, on the Willamette River, at the head of steamboat navigation, and on the Southern Pacific R., 45 miles S. of Albany. It has iron-works and machine-shops, tanneries, and manufactures of wagons, furniture, leather, woollens, excelsior, sash and doors, etc. It is the seat of the University of Oregon and is partly surrounded by an amphitheatre of low mountains. Pop. in 1900, 3236.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
Eugene, a banking city, capital of Lane co., Oregon, on the Willamette River, at the head of steamboat navigation, and on the Southern Pacific R., 45 miles S. of Albany. It has iron-works and machine-shops, tanneries, and manufactures of wagons, furniture, leather, woollens, excelsior, sash and doors, etc. It is the seat of the University of Oregon and is partly surrounded by an amphitheatre of low mountains. Pop. in 1900, 3236.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher
2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Eugene:
Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden:
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the beautiful rhododendron garden. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Mount Pisgah Arboretum:
If you're a nature enthusiast, this arboretum is a must-visit. Hike the trails, explore the gardens, and take in the stunning views of the Willamette Valley.
Skinner Butte Park:
Climb to the top of Skinner Butte for panoramic views of Eugene. The park also offers picnic areas and walking trails.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art:
Explore the diverse collection of art at the University of Oregon's museum. It features works from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Science Factory Children's Museum & Exploration Dome:
Perfect for families, this interactive science museum has exhibits that make learning fun for kids of all ages.
Cascades Raptor Center:
Get up close and personal with birds of prey. The center is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of these magnificent... Read MORE...
Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden:
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through the beautiful rhododendron garden. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Mount Pisgah Arboretum:
If you're a nature enthusiast, this arboretum is a must-visit. Hike the trails, explore the gardens, and take in the stunning views of the Willamette Valley.
Skinner Butte Park:
Climb to the top of Skinner Butte for panoramic views of Eugene. The park also offers picnic areas and walking trails.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art:
Explore the diverse collection of art at the University of Oregon's museum. It features works from Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Science Factory Children's Museum & Exploration Dome:
Perfect for families, this interactive science museum has exhibits that make learning fun for kids of all ages.
Cascades Raptor Center:
Get up close and personal with birds of prey. The center is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of these magnificent... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Eugene Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Eugene, Oregon, USA
We currently have information about 6 ancestors who were born or died in Eugene.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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