September 19-21, 2008

Visit Historic The Dalles, Oregon and step back in time

Historical re-enactor Steve Plucker portrays life as a soldier in the 9th Infantry Regiment at Fort Dalles.

The Dalles, Oregon, located in Wasco County, is rich in history. The Dalles was incorporated as Dalles City by act of the Oregon Territorial Legislature on June 26, 1857. The Dalles is the third oldest incorporated city in Oregon. At the time, The Dalles was one of the largest population centers in the Pacific Northwest, and played a major role in terms of commerce, politics, military presence and inland navigation. The city was the center of navigation on the middle river, between the Cascades rapids and Celilo Falls. It also served as the end of the overland Oregon Trail beginning in 1843. Lewis & Clark camped at The Dalles twice, in 1805 and 1806. The site of the city was a major trade center for Native Americans for at least 10,000 years, and the surrounding area (Horsethief Lake, Wakemap Mound, Atlatl Valley, Roadcut) comprise one of the most significant archaeological regions in North America.

The Dalles in an 1884 lithograph. Click here for larger image.

The Dalles is located in the Beautiful Columbia River Gorge, on Interstate I-84 approximately 82 miles east of Portland, Oregon. To our north is the majestic Columbia River, with Washington State on the other side. Just visible to the northeast are the snow-covered slopes of Mt. Adams. To the southwest is the towering figure of one of the other mountains of the Cascades, Mt. Hood. The purpose of this site is to acquaint the traveler and local citizen with our colorful past and rich cultural community of today. The Dalles is the end of the Old Oregon Trail, one of the only two identified campsites of Lewis and Clark Expedition, and a place where native Americans gathered for ten thousand years. See our living history city as you walk our streets and participate in the cultural events held in our area.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT HISTORIC SITES IN THE DALLES

Historic The Dalles Days - Be Here Then

The Dalles, Oregon will be celebrating Historic The Dalles Days with a streetfest, historic building open houses, museum tours, music, art and cultural activities for children and adults. Horse-drawn wagon rides, historical building tours, visits to Fort Dalles, the talking downtown murals, and antique cars, all add up to a celebration of an old west frontier town that was the center of activity for pioneers, Native American trade, militia, gold miners and mountain men in the wild west.

You will find a lot of interesting activities happening in Wasco County during 2008. Take a look at our events schedule, and don't forget to mark your calendars for Historic The Dalles Days. We look forward to seeing you!

Don't miss

September 19-21, 2008

Fort Dalles
Museum