Cottage Grove Historical Society is a non-profit society of volunteers with membership open to all who meet to learn more about protecting our local cultural heritage.
We are currently fundraing for The Goose Mural project. Donate Now
Mission
The mission of the Cottage Grove Historical Society is to preserve and celebrate the history and heritage of the Cottage Grove area and to stimulate interest and knowledge for generations to come.
Research Library
The Marcia E. Allen Historical Research Library is located in the historic Square Dance Barn, 308 S 10th Street in Cottage Grove. Our librarians gathers, organizes, and catalogs information into a traditional library setting so it can then be used by the general public.
Open Friday and Saturday from 1 to 4 pm
or by appointment
Call 541-942-5022 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cottage Grove Beginnings
Nicknamed "Slab Town" because wood slabs were placed in the trail ruts to keep the wagon wheels from sinking into mud during rainy seasons, the original town of Cottage Grove paralleled the west side of the Coast Fork of the Willamette River following the old Applegate Trail.
Main Street, Cottage Grove originally ran along what is now River Road. When the railroad came in 1872, businesses began to develop between the tracks and River Road forming our current Main Street. The railroad quickly became the center of commerce as well as the principle form of transportation, fading out stage coach and wagon travel. During this time, a city council was formed which still exists today.
When gold was discovered in the nearby Bohemia Mountains in 1858, many downtown businesses were started by people who obtained their grubstake in the mines. At one time, there were seven saloons on the north side of Main Street. Those who didn't have anything to do with cards, dancing or alcohol, walked on the other side. The ladies and children had small park areas and inside reading rooms to rest in while waiting for their men to take the family home.
Cottage Grove fractured between the old Main Street community and the new with the river being the dividing line between east and west. The post office became a bone of contention: one side wanted it to be near the railroad station, but the others didn't want it moved at all. The East-Siders referred to their town as "Lemati", a Native American word meaning "peaceful valley." Whoever happened to be appointed Postmaster moved it to their home or business location. During the Lemati feud, the post office was moved under cover of darkness by members of two prominent families to an area between the warring factions. It was literally dragged by a team of horses, probably as a prank, but ended up being a satisfactory solution for both sides.