Page 22 - Corvallis, OR Historic Preservation Plan

Historic Preservation Plan

Setting

Corvallis is located in the Willamette Valley in western Oregon, near
the eastern foothills of the Coast Range. The historical city center is
situated north of the confluence of the Willamette and Mary’s Rivers
upon a plateau along the west bank of the Willamette River. The area
consists of relatively flat lands along the rivers, gently rolling hills, and
western views of the Coast Range and Mary’s Peak, the highest peak
of the Coast Range.

Native Peoples

Prior to Euro-American settlement, much of the Willamette Valley was
inhabited by the Kalapuya native peoples. The Kalapuya lived in small
bands, typically along the various tributaries of the Willamette River.
The Chepenefa band occupied the Mary’s River valley. The Kalapuya
people are credited with managing a diverse natural environment
through the use of seasonal burns. Following dramatic population
reductions of the Kalapuya people, members of the Klickitat Indians
migrated south into the Willamette Valley from the Columbia River
area. When Euro-American settlers arrived to the area, they found a
mix of both Kalapuya and Klickitats.

Euro-American Settlement (1811-1850)

The earliest Euro-American presence is associated with fur traders,
beginning around 1811. Following the depletion of sea otter
populations along the coast, trappers shifted inland to areas such as
Corvallis. Various fur companies, including the Astorians and Hudson’s
Bay Company, established pack trails from the Columbia River to
California. The routes used by the local native peoples, generally
following the Willamette River and passing through the Corvallis area,
brought trappers to the area. Missionaries and American emigrants,
followed with more permanent settlements in the area. The first land
claims were filed in 1846. Investment and commerce subsequently
flowed into the area during the California Gold Rush (1848-1855) as
people made their way south.

16 City of Corvallis