Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area

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Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area

Fort Yamhill was manned by about 85 regular military soldiers/officers between 1856-1861. By 1866, the fort was abandoned and the original buildings were auctioned off and removed. The original purpose of the fort was to prevent violence between the white settlers and the Native Americans.

There isn't much to physically see here-- the Officers Quarters is the only original structure still standing, so you'll need a good imagination and an interest in Oregon history to enjoy this area. While in service, the fort contained 24 structures (store, blacksmith, bakery, laundress houses, hospital, soldiers' quarters, etc.). A half mile trail with very good interpretive signage allows visitors to walk past the site where each of the buildings originally stood and to learn the history and hardships behind the soldiers and Native Americans. The foundation of the kitchen and some other buildings are currently being excavated and the public is invited to watch the archaeologists (mostly students) in action.

Pick up an informative brochure first, then follow the trail, and in about 30 minutes you'll have a good understanding of the function and life at Fort Yamhill back in the mid 1850s.

Keywords: Free, Historic Site, Outside the city, All year, Park (Local / State / National), Historic, Everyone, Need a car, Easy to reach