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Multnomah County Poor Farm

Multnomah County's first home for poor residents was Hillside Farm. The facility opened in 1869 and was located in Portland's West Hills. In 1910, community members inspected the building. They found it to be in deplorable condition. In 1911, the Multnomah County Poor Farm opened in Troutdale to replace Hillside Farm. The Poor Farm expanded to 345 acres of land tended by its residents. 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. The nursing home housed residents until it closed in 1982. The property remained vacant for several years. In 1990, local hospitality chain McMenamins purchased and restored the property. It now serves as an entertainment and lodging complex.

Visit the County Poor Farm records finding aid to browse the collection.

To search the admissions register for a particular resident, refer to the research guide for Multnomah County Poor Farm records.