Oregon City

The historic Oregon City Municipal Elevator is one of only four municipal elevators in the entire world. Because of the steep cliff above the lower segment of the city the 722 step stairs were a hard and time consuming way to get up or down the distance. Originally built back in 1915, it was first powered by water, but it was quickly realized that the water required to power the elevator made flushing toilets impossible on the upper area near the site. So, by 1924 the power was changed to electricity and it not only relieved the water problems but sped the travel time for the elevator to 30 seconds, half of its original time. In 1955 a new and greatly improved elevator was erected and has been in use ever since. The ride up or down the 130 foot now only takes 15 seconds. The existing elevator could be operated by the customer, but the city has always had an operator on duty. The elevator has always been free and the gentleman who was on duty the day we rode gave wonderful stories and suggested that in another ten years he would probably be out of a job. There are plans to build yet another upgraded elevator. The ride is free and the view from the top platform gives a great panoramic view of the area.