Wooden Beams and Railroad Ties: The History of Oregon's Built Environment The buildings and structures built by Oregon's inhabitants are evidence of how they lived, their industries and occupations, their creative impulses, and the natural resources of the land. Wooden Beams and Railroad Ties relates the history of Oregon as expressed through its built environment, from Chinook cedar lodges and missionary churches through covered bridges and fish canneries, to suburban houses, vacation resorts, and glass office towers. With a background in archival management of historical photographs, maps, and architectural plans, Richard Engeman served as the public historian of the Oregon Historical Society until 2006."> compiled by Richard H. Engeman

Introduction The built environment that we see today is a layered, cumulative, concrete expression of many aspects of our history. Select Topics A Layered and Cumulative Expression... Native Ways and Explorers' Views: Before 1800 Prior to the coming of Euro-American traders and settlers, the country that is now Oregon was home to tens of thousands of Native peoples. Natural resources and climate influenced what was built and what materials were used in building. Select Topics Building Before 1800 Structures for Living Trails on Water and Land The Legacy of the Early Built Envir... Euro-American Adaptation and Importation: 1800-1850 Exploration and  commerce first brought Euro-Americans to the Northwest. They brought their building traditions and methods with them. Select Topics Early Exploration and Fur-Trading O... Farms and Missions Trails and Roads, Bridges and Ferri... Surveyed Patterns on the Land Sawn Lumber and Greek Temples: 1850-1870 The sawmill was a defining symbol of the state of Oregon. Lumber was a versatile building material and an important export product. Select Topics The Sawmill and Sawn Lumber Immigrant Skills and Traditional St... Industrial and Agricultural Structu... Town Beginnings Architectural Fashions and Industrial Pragmatism: 1865-1900 Vernacular buildings dominate industry and agriculture. Architecture develops as a profession, while architectural ideas and new building technologies are easily communicated throughout Oregon. Select Topics Architectural Fashions New Architects of Fashion Building Materials: Wood, Brick, St... Industry and Agriculture in the Rai... The Public Face of Public Life Expansive Ranching The Portland Domination Revival Styles, Highway Alignment: 1890-1940 Successions of architectural fashions derive from historical models as “revival” styles. The railroad era, the timber industry peak and decline, and highways make a strong impact on the built environment as the Depression brings federal projects. Select Topics The New Century The Timber Industry Climax One Big City, Many Small Towns Country Life and Bungalows Depression and Public Works International Style, Northwest Style, Cryptic Style: 1940-Present Modernism and the International style are global architectural influences. Some Pacific Northwest architects take inspiration from the wood building tradition to develop the Northwest Regional Style. Select Topics World War II Opens New Doors Post-War Population and the Buildin... International Style, Northwest Regi... Roads to Freeways; Building and Lan... Modernism, Post-Modernism, Regional... Conclusion Oregon’s timber heritage is reflected in today’s “green building” movement. Natural resources and climate still influence what is built and what materials are used in building. Select Topics Place Matters Glossary, Bibliography, and Author's Biography An assortment of materials. Select Topics Glossary Bibliography Author's Biography