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Grounds open daily dawn to dusk You can stop by to look around the grounds, read the signs, and learn some history, even though the buildings aren't open in the winter. Contact us for tour information, research appointments, to learn more or volunteer at jzhistsoc@rconnects.com or call 503-637-6324. Trails Across Time: Living History Immersion Program still has room for 10 students. More information on this charter school program for grades 6-12 here. Welcome! Philip Foster, one of Oregon's earliest pioneers, was a leader in the establishment of Oregon. His farm and home in Eagle Creek played an important part in the history of the Barlow Road, which followed the south side of Mt. Hood as an alternative to the treacherous Columbia River route. Either option held great danger: navigate the river's swift currents and rapids, or risk the steep slopes and early winter snows in the mountains. Foster helped fund, build and operate the Barlow Road at various times between 1848 and 1865, guiding thousands of covered wagons into the Willamette Valley. Foster took a 640 acre donation land claim at Eagle Creek in the late 1840's. The Philip Foster place was a welcome sight for pioneers coming down that one last hill into the Willamette Valley and the start of a new life in the new land. Today Philip and Mary Foster's Farm still plays host to thousands. From April through October schoolchildren engage in activities that were part of the daily life of Oregon's earliest settlers. Summer fun and events for the general public kick off on Saturdays in May and end in December with A Country Christmas. Tours of the farm and hands-on pioneer activities are available for the whole family all summer. Click here to download and print our brochure. Celebrate with us! |
