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16 unusual facts about Oregon Geographic Names


Allegany, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, a post office was established there in 1893, and it is unknown why this spelling was chosen rather than the more common form, Allegheny, used for many features in the eastern United States.

Barview, Tillamook County, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names it was named in 1884 by L. C. Smith, who chose the name for the exceptional view of the bar at the entrance to Tillamook Bay.

Brownsmead, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, it is named after W.G. Brown, a Portland engineer, and had been previously named Brody.

Cheshire, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, Cheshire was a station on the Southern Pacific Railroad line platted in 1913 and originally named Hubert.

Colton, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, Colton was named about 1892 by two residents, Joshua Gorbett and a man named Cole, who each wanted to name the community after the other.

Dairy, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, Dairy was named by William Roberts, a pioneer settler, who chose the name after having lived in another community by that name in the eastern U.S.

Drewsey, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, in 1883 Abner Robbins opened a store in the locality and he named the place "Gouge Eye" to commemorate a local dispute.

Knappa, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, it is named after Aaron Knapp, Jr., an early settler.

Monitor, Oregon

Oregon Geographic Names (OGN) states that a local story about the possible origin of the name "Monitor" is that it is derived from a type of flour mill, the Monitor mill, in use in the early days of the community.

Oregon Geographic Names Board

In 1928, McArthur paid to have the first edition of Oregon Geographic Names published.

Rowena, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, the exact origin of the name "Rowena" is disputed.

Scholls, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, the community was named after local pioneer Peter Scholl, who took up a donation land claim in 1847.

Svensen, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, it is named after Peter Svensen, an early settler.

Twin Rocks, Oregon

Oregon Geographic Names states that Twin Rocks was named for two 100-foot-high rocks offshore in the Pacific Ocean.

Wauna, Oregon

According to Oregon Geographic Names, it names a Native American mythological being associated with the Columbia River.

Whiteson, Oregon

Oregon Geographic Names states that Whiteson is named for either for Henry White, who laid out the town site and gave the railroad right-of-way, or for William White.