Historical Landscape

The Kalapuya Indians were the first known inhabitants of the Willamette Valley. Archeological evidence specifies the Kalapuya lived in the area for numerous centuries. The Kalapuya Indians partook in hunting, gathering and trading with other tribes in the Northwest. They frequently burned grasses of the valley to clear brush and deliver a suitable environment for game and vegetation they relied on for food. The valley was an open grassy prairie with secluded stands of white oaks and other trees by the time white settlers arrived.

It wasn’t until 1846 that present-day Eugene was established. At this time Eugene was settled by Eugene F. Skinner at the base of a mountain peak called Yapo-ah by the Calapooya tribe and they referred to this location as Skinner’s (Eugene). Today, locals refer to the Mountain as Skinner’s Butte and it is a local landmark. It is one of Eugene’s finest attractions as you can hike to the top to see a comprehensive view of modern day Eugene. By 1852, a town site was established by Skinner and Judge D. M. R. Risdom, who developed the first house within the city limits. At present, the site of the cabin is commemorated by a marker on the hillside. This establishment was set up for failure though and the Kalupuya people warned him about the floods. Sure enough, after a heavy winter of rains it became a mess receiving the nickname “Skinner’s Mud Hole.” Therefore, in 1853 the town site was relocated and named Eugene City. The new site was not formally incorporated as a city until 1862. Eugene F. Skinner later ran a ferry service crossing the Willamette River and in the modern era the Ferry Street Bridge took its place.

The Ferry Street Bridge today carries Coburg Road in four lanes which connect Coburg to central Eugene. The bridge serves as the shortest course between Autzen Stadium and the University of Oregon. The surrounding area of the bridge is often referred to as the “Ferry Street Bridge neighborhood.” One interesting thing I came across while researching the Ferry Street Bridge is that is one of the nation’s most dangerous bridges, according to a national magazine. “Travel and Leisure Magazine ranked the bridge as America’s 10th most dangerous bridge (Dudley). This makes me question what changes are to come in the near future with the historic architecture.

This may be surprising to many, but the first college of Eugene was not the University of Oregon. Interestingly enough, the first college in Eugene was Columbia College built on College Hill. Some people may be familiar with College Hill; however, they may be confused by the fact that is so far from the University of Oregon. The truth is College Hill in Eugene refers to where the first college in Eugene, Columbia College, was established. In 1855, the college’s first building was instituted on the hill. “By 1856, the coeducational college opened for classes in early November of 1856 with 52 students” (Eugene). Sadly, its original presence did not last long, and at the end of the month the college had burned down to the ground. Classes continued in a private residence, while a new building was constructed. Once the new school building was established an enlarged class size of 150 students were signed up for classes, but as fate would have it a second fire destroyed the second Columbia College building. A third and final building was constructed for the college that was said to be fire proof. This last building was shut down due to disagreements on slavery and the stones from the building were used to build the First National Bank in Eugene during 1867.

The Masterson house is the oldest remaining example of residential development in College Hill and the second-oldest in Eugene. It is located at the pinnacle of the hill (College Hill) between pasture and fields, one and a half miles southwest of Skinner’s Butte. This Classic Revival style of Kentucky with 8 rooms, box construction (walls of two planks) mansion served as a stop-off for travelers passing through. During successive decades the original estate of the Masterson’s was divided and sold off to establish suburban subdivisions that exist today.

Agriculturally Eugene has been expanding since the 1850’s. What started as a small town of milling and transportation industries has since grown favoring lumber. The city of Eugene began with steamship trade until post-civil war with its growing population. The city then became an area of sawmills, lumber growth, and box factories. Then and now, the city is known for its tree lined streets, specifically the native cottonwoods which were used for production of excelsior. Over the years, crops like wheat became agricultural necessities as well farming dairy and harvesting fruit. Though highly industrialized; Eugene continues to be favorable to reside in and keeps a green homey appearance experienced by students, families, and workers within the city.

"About Eugene." Eugene-OR. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2015.

Dudley, Kelsey. "Ferry Street Bridge: Nation's 10th Most Dangerous Span?" KVAL 13. N.p., 8 Aug. 2013.Web. 26 July 2015.

"Eugene: History." Eugene: History. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 July 2015.