Oregon is home to several historic houses that offer visitors a fascinating glimpse into the Beaver State’s past. Whether you love classic architecture, or are simply interested in Oregon history, these storied homes make for a great day trip.
Take a look:
- John and Susanna Ahlf House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet This historic Grants Pass residence was built in 1902 for John Ahlf, a German immigrant who eventually became one of the most successful businessmen in the Rogue Valley.
- Silas A. Rice House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet This landmark is one of the few surviving log cabins left in Oregon. It was constructed in 1884 with doug fir logs. The one room building was once a farmstead home, a schoolhouse, and barbershop, and even a brothel. Today, it is known as the Gilliam County Historical Museum. You can visit and learn about early pioneer life and the Oregon Trail. The museum is located in Condon.
- Captain John C. Ainsworth House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet Located in Oregon City, this historic building dates back to 1851. It once belonged to John C. Ainsworth, the founder of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.
- Charles and Ibby Whiteside House
Wikimedia/46percent/public domain This classic bungalow was constructed in 1922 in Corvallis. It was built by Charles Whiteside for his wife, Ibby. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
- Harvey Cross House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet Harvey Cross was an important investor who helped fund the Barlow Road, the last overland segment of the Oregon Trail. He eventually served as a state senator. His home is located in Oregon City and dates to 1885.
- Morton Matthew McCarver House
Wikimedia/ The Morton Matthew McCarver House was built in Boston in 1850, and then shipped to Oregon City. At the time, it was one of the most elaborate houses in frontier-era Oregon.
- Flavel House
Wikimedia/Visitor7 You may recognize this house from The Goonies, a beloved film shot in Astoria. It was built in 1885 by George Flavel, a maritime pilot and one of the areas first millionaires. Now a museum, you can stop by and check out the beautifully restored home in person.
- Thomas M. Baldwin House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet Located in Prineville, the Baldwin House once belonged to one of the wealthiest bankers in Prineville. It was built in 1907 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
- Marion Reed Elliott House
Wikimedia/ Built in 1908, this house is another example of historic architecture in Prineville. It was constructed in the decades after the railroads first began reaching Central Oregon.
- Pittock Mansion
Flickr/Roser Martínez Built in 1914, the Pittock Mansion is overflowing with history. This Portland home belonged to the owner of The Oregonian, Henry Pittock. You can visit the mansion for tours and an incredible view of Portland’s skyline.
- McLoughlin House
Trip Advisor/WorldWanderer99 At the time of its construction in 1846, the John McLoughlin House was one of the most majestic homes in Oregon. John McLoughlin was a prominent member of the Hudson’s Bay Company and even served as the mayor of Oregon City. Free tours of this historic home are offered Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- John and Helen Moore House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet Located near Moro, this classic Italianate style house was built in 1882. It is one of the oldest homes in Sherman County, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
- Abel E. Eaton House
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet This spectacular home was constructed in 1904 for Abel E. Eaton, a wealthy businessman who served as a community leader and mayor of Union. The landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Have you visited any of these historic homes before? Share your thoughts and memories with us in the comments below!
Wikimedia/Ian Poellet
This historic Grants Pass residence was built in 1902 for John Ahlf, a German immigrant who eventually became one of the most successful businessmen in the Rogue Valley.
This landmark is one of the few surviving log cabins left in Oregon. It was constructed in 1884 with doug fir logs. The one room building was once a farmstead home, a schoolhouse, and barbershop, and even a brothel. Today, it is known as the Gilliam County Historical Museum. You can visit and learn about early pioneer life and the Oregon Trail. The museum is located in Condon.
Located in Oregon City, this historic building dates back to 1851. It once belonged to John C. Ainsworth, the founder of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.
Wikimedia/46percent/public domain
This classic bungalow was constructed in 1922 in Corvallis. It was built by Charles Whiteside for his wife, Ibby. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Harvey Cross was an important investor who helped fund the Barlow Road, the last overland segment of the Oregon Trail. He eventually served as a state senator. His home is located in Oregon City and dates to 1885.
Wikimedia/
The Morton Matthew McCarver House was built in Boston in 1850, and then shipped to Oregon City. At the time, it was one of the most elaborate houses in frontier-era Oregon.
Wikimedia/Visitor7
You may recognize this house from The Goonies, a beloved film shot in Astoria. It was built in 1885 by George Flavel, a maritime pilot and one of the areas first millionaires. Now a museum, you can stop by and check out the beautifully restored home in person.
Located in Prineville, the Baldwin House once belonged to one of the wealthiest bankers in Prineville. It was built in 1907 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
Built in 1908, this house is another example of historic architecture in Prineville. It was constructed in the decades after the railroads first began reaching Central Oregon.
Flickr/Roser Martínez
Built in 1914, the Pittock Mansion is overflowing with history. This Portland home belonged to the owner of The Oregonian, Henry Pittock. You can visit the mansion for tours and an incredible view of Portland’s skyline.
Trip Advisor/WorldWanderer99
At the time of its construction in 1846, the John McLoughlin House was one of the most majestic homes in Oregon. John McLoughlin was a prominent member of the Hudson’s Bay Company and even served as the mayor of Oregon City. Free tours of this historic home are offered Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Located near Moro, this classic Italianate style house was built in 1882. It is one of the oldest homes in Sherman County, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
This spectacular home was constructed in 1904 for Abel E. Eaton, a wealthy businessman who served as a community leader and mayor of Union. The landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
For more Oregon history, check out our previous article: Most People Don’t Know How These 12 Historic Towns In Oregon Got Their Start.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
