Hells Canyon History: Native Homelands, Mining, Dams, And Preservation
Deeper than the Grand Canyon, rich in Native legend, steeped in tragedy, and overflowing with fierce beauty, these are the untold stories of Hells Canyon in Oregon.
That Oregon Life · Stories & discoveries
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History
The Dark Chapter In Oregon History That Nearly Erased Tribal Nations Forever
In the 1950s, the United States pursued one of the most devastating policies ever enacted against Native Americans, known as termination. This policy ended the federal government’s trust relationship with tribes, bands, and individual Native people…
The Forgotten Story of the Flood That Ended Oregon’s Second Largest City
If you’ve never heard of the flood that wiped Oregon’s second-largest city off the map, you’re in for one of the most shocking and little-known stories in the state’s history. The city was called Vanport, and…
I Was 15 When Kip Kinkel Opened Fire at My School — 27 Years Later, I Still Remember Everything
Writing this has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, as my eyes start to tear, and I take another deep breath trying to push forward. For 27 years, I’ve carried the weight of…
Looking Back 45 Years After the Mount St. Helens Eruption
Today marks 45 years since the catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens, a day etched into the history of the Pacific Northwest—and the minds of everyone who lived through it. On the morning of May 18,…
Oregon Caves Chateau Named One of America’s Most Endangered Historic Places
A beloved Southern Oregon landmark is once again in the spotlight — this time, as one of the most endangered historic places in America. The Oregon Caves Chateau, a nearly century-old lodge tucked away in the…
Gun Control’s Racist Past and Measure 114’s Future: Disarming the People Who Need It Most
Gun control in the United States has never truly been about public safety—it has been about control. Throughout history, firearm restrictions have been disproportionately used to disarm Black Americans, marginalized communities, and anyone deemed a "threat"…
Once a Water Station in 1883, This 15,000-Square-Foot Portland Home Will Leave You Awestruck
There’s something fascinating about Portland’s history that never fails to surprise me. Just when I think I’ve read up on all the city’s historical oddities, I stumble upon something entirely new—at least new to me. That…
The Old Sign That Overlooked Springfield in 1911 That Nobody Remembers
Growing up in Springfield, I thought I knew all there was to know about my hometown. I’ve spent years writing about its history and highlighting all the hidden gems this place has to offer. But it…
Forgotten Family Slides Reveal Oregon’s Lost Theme Park, The Disneyland That Never Was
You may think the comparison to Disneyland is a long shot, but I assure you: it's completely true. Jerry and Lu Parks had big dreams in 1964. They already owned one of the most famous restaurants…
In 1700AD, A Massive Earthquake Rocked The PNW And The Fascinating Evidence Is All Around Us
Imagine a dark winter night in the Pacific Northwest. The ground beneath your feet begins to tremble, slowly at first, then violently. Trees sway and snap like matchsticks. The ocean retreats, revealing a seafloor few have…
From Hollywood Props to Obscure VHS, This Portland Icon Is A Cinephile’s Dream
Walking into Movie Madness feels like stepping into another time, another world. The scent of old plastic cases mingles with the faint hum of a CRT television playing a classic movie in the corner. Shelves groan…