Marion Square Park, Front/Com'l/Union St. NE, CAN-DO

This block-square area, designated as a park in 1846, had been the permanent campsite for the Chemeketa band and others of the Willamette Valley Kalapuyans. In the winter of 1847,an epidemic of measles broke out, causing the deaths of half the population. The park continued as a traditional gathering place and in the 1870s was the site of a conference for a treaty. In the early 1900s,the park was surrounded by fine residential development. A covered bandstand built in the park c.1895 was in use until its demolition in 1944.
Located between Front and Commercial Streets, south of Union Street, it is a neighbor to the recently renovate Union Street Railroad Bridge and the A. C. Gilbert Discovery Village. See photograph after 1962 Columbus day wind storm.
(CAN-DO)