Sellwood-Moreland boasts a captivating history that traces its origins back to the mid-1840s. Pioneering immigrants established their roots here, embarking on ventures such as agriculture, timber logging, and cultivating fruit nurseries. Remarkably, their primary trade revolved around the nearby City of Milwaukie, rather than Portland. The introduction of steamboats in the early 1850s greatly enhanced transportation links, serving the riverbound communities reliably. Another mode of movement emerged as a meandering path through the lush foliage, famously known as Milwaukie Road, which has evolved into the now renowned SE Milwaukie Avenue, a central thoroughfare within the neighborhood.
In the 1880s, an enterprising real estate company undertook the development of this region, following their acquisition of land from Reverend John Sellwood. The journey included significant milestones such as the inauguration of the first downtown Portland bridge in 1887 and the subsequent incorporation as an independent city. The advent of electric streetcars in the early 1900s propelled the area’s advancement. Notably, Sellwood joined the city of Portland’s fold in 1893. The allure of modern amenities beckoned residents to subdivisions like Eastmoreland and Westmoreland. An engaging competition unfolded between Sellwood and Westmoreland, ultimately leading to the establishment of various subdivisions, thus shaping the mosaic of the neighborhood by the 1920s.
A crowning achievement arrived with the inauguration of the Sellwood Bridge in 1925; however, progress was later hampered by the Great Depression and the challenges of post-war recovery. The 1960s witnessed a renaissance fueled by antique dealers, sparking a vibrant resurgence characterized by rejuvenated residences and burgeoning enterprises. As Sellwood-Moreland steps confidently into its second century, it continues to thrive as a dynamic and flourishing community.
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