History of Corvallis
From OSU Wiki
Corvallis' Beginnings 1800's
Home to Oregon State University, Corvallis is a small community with a well documented past. Prior to the migration of European settlers, the area was inhabited by the Kalapuya tribe. One group is thought to have lived near the mouth of Mary’s river where it meets the Willamette. Originally named Marysville, presumably after Mary's river (located in current day Philomath), and was later renamed Corvallis in 1857. The renaming of the town was granted by the Territorial Legislature. The reasoning behind the change was that they did not want the town to be confused with the larger Marysville, California.
The name “Corvallis” was made by one of the city’s founders, Joseph C. Avery. He created the name by combining two Latin words, "cor" and "vallis", which means “heart of the valley”[. Joseph C. Avery, William F. Dixon, and Wyman St. Clair were the first people to settle in the area. Avery occupied the southern part of the city, Dixon in the north and St. Clair in modern day Philomath. It was St. Clair who is thought to be responsible for naming of Mary’s river and the original name of Marysville .
The city is a part of Benton County, which was established by the Territorial Legislature on December 23, 1847. This county, when it was first established went as far south as the border of California. In 1855 Corvallis became the capitol of the Oregon territory, but by December the Legislature voted to move the capitol back to Salem.
"'In June 1880 the town experience a growth of some consideration...Never before in the history of Corvallis have there been so many buildings in the course of construction in one summer...the time is not far distant when Corvallis will rank with the largest towns in the state' (Gazette Times, July 24, 1937 reprinted from an 1881 issue of the Benton Democrat)."[1] The reasons for this tremendous growth were in part, due to the arrival of the Railroad in Corvallis, this pumped money into the agricultural community jolting investment and immigration. The dependency of Corvallis (and other communities on the west coast) was very evident in the scare of 1893 when as the economy failed (The panic was a small version of the Depression). The railroad companies were just one of many industries effected. Dispite this economic setback Corvallis continued to grow at impressive rates, having a higher populations during the school year due to Corvallis College.
Corvallis 1900-WWII
By 1900 the effects of the Panic of 1893 had worn off of Corvallis, the economy continued to grow and centralize around the college and agriculture. An interesting fact about early 1900's in Corvallis is that the city adopted a "dry town" ordinance. This part of history prior to the great depression really served as a time of building. Many of the streets and neighborhoods that are in place today were conceived in this time period; beautification was also a huge part of Corvallis' culture.
The city of Corvallis did suffer during the Great Depression along with the rest of the nation. However, some argued that Corvallis and its residents did not have a hard time, for example an excerpt from the local paper: "'it has been very noticeable that there has been plenty of money to spend at all times on women's clothes, social affairs, and for gasoline sales which have been very good in this district' (Corvallis Gazette-Times, April 28, 1931)"[2]. Although the local paper claimed no hardships, it did not take into account the hundreds of refugees, nor does this quote hint and the closure of some local businesses.
World War II helped to pull Corvallis out of the depression. With Camp Adair, a military base, located close to Corvallis soldiers and their families rushed to gain housing in the city. This coupled with the increase in industrial/military jobs brought Corvallis and Benton county jump started the economy.
Further Learning
For a more in-depth look at Corvallis history these links are highly recommended:
