We Bet You Didn't Know That Oregon Is Home To One Of The Only Vertical Streets In The World
By Sarah McCosham|Published February 08, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Oregon is full of a myriad of massive wonders — and we’re not just talking about our grand mountains, jaw-dropping waterfalls, *and* coastal monoliths. Oregon’s wonders extend into the manmade realm, too, as you’ll see with the following superlative attraction. In Oregon City, you’ll find the only vertical street in North America…and one of just a handful in the entire world! The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is nothing short of extraordinary, and a must-visit place in Oregon!
This is Oregon City, a beautiful city located on the outskirts of bustling Portland, Oregon.
And you can ascend this record-breaking boulevard on the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, a 130-foot elevator that's one of only a few in the entire world!
The original elevator that was constructed here in 1915 was built as a means of transportation for the residents in Oregon City. Prior to its construction, residents had to climb over 700 stairs to get from the base to the top of this street!
The elevator that's there today is actually the second one, built to replace the original in 1955. The views from the top are extraordinary. From the observation deck, you can see Oregon City, the Willamette River, West Linn, and the Abernethy Bridge.
The Oregon City Elevator is a fun, unique, and free attraction. The walls inside the observation deck show the history of Oregon City, making for an interesting history lesson, too!
Today, the Oregon City Municipal Elevator continues to operate as one of only four municipal elevators in the world and Oregon’s “Elevator Street” is the only “vertical street” in North America!
Did you know that Oregon was home to the only vertical street on the continent? Have you visited the Oregon City Municipal Elevator before? What a fascinating, only-in-Oregon attraction!