A Brief History of Newport, Oregon

One of the most popular areas to head to when in Oregon is Newport. After all, with so many fishing charters, tourist attractions, delicious restaurants, and other outdoor activities, it’s a must-visit! Not only do people head over there for all the fun they can have, but because of its vast history.

Whether you have visited the area or plan to, learn more as I show you a brief history of Newport, Oregon!

Brief History of Newport, Oregon

Newport has a population of around 10,000 people. It’s the biggest city in the Lincoln County and the county seat since 1952. It is located in western Oregon, USA, lying on the north shore of Yaquina Bay.

It was first a fishing village in 1855, then laid out and developed as a seaside resort in 1866, with steamer connections going to San Francisco, California. It serves lumber industries in Toledo and also maintains various plants and factories focusing on fish canneries, food processing, and bottling. It is also home to many boat constructions and repairing industries, along with tourist attractions.

Because of its location, its major industries are centered around fishing, shipping, and tourism.

Where It All Began

In around 1856, sailing vessel Calumet visited the Yaquina Bay, filled with supplies for the military. Yaquina Bays’ oyster beds were then discovered in 1862, which then created a lot of profit as the delicacy was exported to different nearby areas, including San Francisco. By 1864, settlers were homesteading in Yaquina Bay area.

Early settlers had a grand celebration of up to 400 people, who gathered in Newport on July 4, 1866. This is where they celebrate the 90^th Independence Day!

Around 300 local tribesmen went to Newport, seeing Boston Men raise the American Flag. After the prayer and eloquent speeches came a humongous feast, and from all the merriment, Newport became the “San Francisca of Oregon”.

After that, Sam Case moved to Central Oregon (from Maine). With his partner J.R. Bayley, they built and opened the Ocean House as an accommodation for the influx of tourists and visitors of the city back in 1866. The Ocean House was the first-ever building in the city, named after a hotel from Newport in Rhode Island.

Sam Case also constructed a cottage near Naterlin Drive, which would then be Isa Ingalls’ home. The city’s first Post Office was also built and established right after, on July 2, 1868, with Sam Case being the first postmaster!

The First Lighthouse

After the post office and several other historical structures, Newport’s first lighthouse was constructed in 1871. It is located northwest Yaquina Bay to help boats and ships navigate safely during dark, foggy, and/or stormy weather.

This lighthouse, known as the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, operated for 3 years before a new one was built in Yaquina Head in 1873. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse continues to operate until now, one of the five that still do!

 

The First Mayor

Sam Case then summoned his nephew Alonzo, who established a General Store located in Waterfront. After Alonzo settled in the area, he then sent for his family.

The Scwaibold Yaquina Brewery opened in 1882, which then supplied 5 saloons with ales and beers. A few months after, Newport was then incorporated as a city, with Alonzo Case elected as first Mayor, then known as Council President, of the city.

Hotels and Tourism

In 1884, the railroad from Corvallis to Yaquina City was finished, which then helped with tourist growth.

Furthermore, the Yaquina Bay Bridge was constructed and opened on October 3, 1936. This then helped not only with tourism, but also helped with job growth, as the bridge was constructed in the middle of The Great Depression.

One of the major tourist attractions was the Nye Beach, which was named after John Nye, the one who claimed that land back in 1866. There was a boardwalk constructed in 1891, which connected the beach with the Bayfront.

From here, there were cottages, hotels, stores, shops, hot sea baths, and even a natatorium built, which made the beach the number one tourist destination in the city! Until now, Nye Beach would attract hundreds of tourists yearly because of the serenity the area brings.

The Hotel Abbey was the city’s prestigious hotel for visitors and honeymooners, which opened in 1911. It went through various changes throughout the years, passing from owner to owner. Unfortunately, it burned to the ground due to a fire on May 10, 1964.

There were many more types of accommodation and spectacular hotels to follow, such as The Cliff House (now Sylvia Beach Hotel), Gilmore Apartments, Nicolai Hotel, among others.

After the Great Depression and World War II, the city relied on fishing, shipping, and tourism. So many festivals and celebrations attracted people, besides the tourist attractions and activities, which helped the city grow and maintain the great reputation it has today.

 

Today

Today, Newport is the center for marine research, home to the Hatfield Science Center of Oregon State University. It is also home to The Oregon Coast Aquarium that attracts almost 500,000 visitors yearly, making it one of the top aquariums in the USA.

With all of its attractions, activities, stable economy, great food, and proud locals, Newport continues to be a thriving city that is of huge interest among many tourists!

 

Wrapping It Up

Newport, Oregon is such a beautiful area with such a vast and interesting history! Just from its history alone, you can see why there are many people who come over to explore the area. After all, you can’t just read about Newport, you need to visit and experience everything to learn all about it!

I hope this brief history of Newport, Oregon got your attention and inspired you to visit the place. So plan ahead and have the time of your life in Newport for your next vacation!