Westfir, Oregon - Birth of a Community
N 43° 45.551 W 122° 29.745
10T E 540590 N 4845249
This history sign (placed by the National Forest Service) provides the history of Westfir, Oregon (a company town).
Waymark Code: WM72AM
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 08/22/2009
Views: 7
Copied from the sign:
"Westfir, Oregon - Birth of a Community
The Year was 1923.... The Forest Service announced a large timber contract which required the development of a town. Westfir was born as the Western Lumer Company of Eugene began operatoins. The town thrived, and by the 1940's, rivaled Oakridge in size. As a result of several fires and a changing economy, the mill finally closed in 1988. However, the pride and tradition of Westfir lives on.
Another Generation
Today's forest originated from replanting in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps and natural regeneration. Notice the taller Douglas-fir trees along this byway. Seed from these trees produced the current forest. Together, large and small trees provide a diverse ecosystem that will furnish a home for more species of plants and wildlife.
Down by the Old Mill
Contruction of the Westfire mill was completed May 31, 1925. Within a month the mill launched into business producing almost 200,000 board feet of lumber a day. Today this amount would build about 20 average-sized homes.
End of the Rail
The Westfire mill operated a logging railroad along the North Fork River to Camp 5. The only transportation to the camp was by rail. In 1952 the tracks were removed. Today, only a few ties remain. The road you are driving on was the old railroad grade."
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Use the link below to learn more about Westfir via an article from an individual who lived in Westfir from the beginning of the town.
Group that erected the marker: The National Forest Service
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: [Web Link]
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Westoak Road
Westfir, OR USA
97492
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