Sight #6 Edgefield

Multnomah County Poor Farm - Edgefield

Multnomah County Poor Farm

In 1911, the Multnomah County Poor Farm opened in Troutdale. It replaced Hillside Farm, the County's first home for indigent residents, which had operated in Portland's West Hills since 1869. By 1914, more than 300 residents, known as "inmates," lived at the new Poor Farm. Those who could work tended to crops, including vegetables, fruit, hay grain, eggs, and potatoes. They also raised dairy cows, pigs, and chickens. This map shows the Farm’s planting arrangement in 1938. The location of the Farm’s buildings can be seen in the middle of the map.

Over the next 50 years, the Poor Farm in Troutdale expanded to 345 acres. In the mid-20th century, farming operations waned. The institution’s name changed several times. By 1964, the facility was operating as the Edgefield Manor nursing home. Edgefield housed residents until it closed in 1982. The property remained vacant for several years, during which it fell into neglect and became a target for vandalism. In 1990, local hospitality chain McMenamins purchased and restored the property. It now serves as an entertainment and lodging complex. To learn more about the Poor Farm, look no further than local historian Sharon Nesbit, the authoritative source on Edgefield History.

Treasure Hunt Bonus! The planting arrangement map hangs on the wall in the main building of McMenamins Edgefield. If you find it, send us a photo @MultcoArchives on social media.

Next Stop:

This is the end of the inner leg of the tour. Either continue on, or save the outer leg of the tour for another day, beginning with:

Historic Columbia River Highway

Get There from Here by:

Please note: ODOT has implemented access changes to the waterfall corridor this summer including the need for a permit. Please check before you set out to make the appropriate arrangements for your journey.

Driving Directions

Bike

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