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National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

Located just outside Baker City, the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center explores the history of western expansion in the 19th century. The Center features exhibits of large dioramas depicting scenes of pioneer life on the trail, mining, Native Americans, and mountain men. Many historic artifacts are on display as well. The Center is located on a 500-acre site that still has ruts created by wagons, a recreated wagon encampment, two replica mines, trails, and scenic overlooks. The building itself sits on Flagstaff Hill, which is named after the Flagstaff Gold Mine located below.

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The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center opened in 1992.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center opened in 1992.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

The idea for the museum originated in 1987. The main impetus was to revive the local economy and local leaders believed that an interpretive center showcasing the history of the Oregon Trail would help achieve this goal by attracting tourists. The non-profit organization the Oregon Trail Preservation Trust was established to oversee the project and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management joined the effort. The Center eventually opened in 1992, a year before the Oregon Trail Sesquicentennial Celebration. Since then, two million people have visited the Center. In addition to its exhibits and grounds, the Center also offers a variety of living history demonstrations, interpretive programs, and events. 

Sources

LeCompte, Sarah. "National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center." Oregon Encyclopedia. Accessed September 1, 2020. Laste Updated September 19, 2019. https://oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/national_historic_oregon_trail_interpretive_center.

"National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center." U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Accessed September 1, 2020. https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/national-historic-oregon-trail-interpretive-center.

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National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

Additional Information