Santiam Forks Farm
STEP BACK IN TIME
Experience Willamette Valley history at Santiam Forks Farm.
Our History
The Willamette Valley is rich with history. Its riverbanks, forests, and mountains were home to the tribes of Kalapuya, Chinook, Molalla and more for thousands of years. The Kalapuyans were the predominate tribes and occupied the majority of the valley. Living in the area for over 14,000 years they practiced a form of land management where they annually set fire to the valley clearing the land of excess vegetation, renewing food plants, and depositing nutrients in the soil. They were a stable society who, along with harvesting fruits and vegetables, hunted and fished to provide their primary food sources. The Santiam tribe occupied the area now called Jefferson, living along and between the north and south forks of the Santiam River.
The city of Jefferson, and it's surrounding area, also has a colorful history that dates back over 150 years. Located 2 miles east of I-5 and next to the Santiam River the city rests right in the heart of the Willamette Valley. It is 62 miles south of Portland and 50 miles north of Eugene. The green and fertile Willamette Valley lies between the Coastal Range to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. The area is blessed with an abundantly natural landscape, rich soil and mild climate. These factors, combined with good transportation and communication facilities, made possible an economic base suitable for a good, if not high, standard of living for its citizenry.
Jefferson was officially incorporated as a city in 1870. During that time following the Civil War the Willamette Valley was experiencing changes in social and economic development. The population was rapidly growing with an influx of settlers moving west. It was a time of high creativity and change. Written and pictorial records reveal the early history of Jefferson as being formed by the rugged pioneering determination of that generation. And although Jefferson had established itself as a significant economic center for the region during the final three decades of the nineteenth century, its population remained relatively stable.
Examples of early pioneers were John and Mary Elizabeth Runnells Wells. John was born in 1799 in Bracken County, Kentucky, the oldest of 12 children. His family moved from Kentucky to a farm in Indiana and then to southern Missouri. From there, after losing his first two wives, John married a third time. Mary was pregnant with Elic when in 1848 they came out west on the Oregon trail with three children, Nancy, William, and Eliza. They homesteaded just east of Jefferson on what is now known as Libby Lane. The Wells had four more children once settled but lost Elic at 1 1/2 years old to an illness with no cure at the time.
Misfortune continued. Eight years after arriving in Oregon John died on June 29, 1856 of typhoid fever at age 57. This left Mary on her own with seven children. The oldest son, William, took over his father's duties on the farm and ranch at age 11. More tragedy followed when in 1861 diphtheria swept through the area closing the school for 37 days. In two weeks four of the Wells children aged 6,7,9, and 10 succumbed to the disease.
Larry Wells is the great-grandchild of William. His parents Leland and Gladys Wells bought the current farm in 1944 from the Vasek family. The original farm house is now 100 years old and is located just a few miles from the original donation land claim. Larry took over the farm in 1960 and, with his wife Karen, has been running it for 64 years. They had three children. Their youngest daughter Stacy and her husband Paul now run Santiam Forks Farm Bed and Breakfast and would be proud to welcome you here.
Come and enjoy!
Our Services
Classic Breakfast
Family recipe pancakes and waffles. Sausage, Eggs, and Fresh local Fruits.
Access to Property
Santiam Forks Farm consists of 133 acres which includes: old barns, active farming, old growth woods and the North Santiam River as it’s southern boarder.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-fi available
Cozy Comfort Rooms
Craftsman style home with an eclectic touch.
Day Trip Outings
Within driving distance to the Oregon Coast, wineries, Silver Falls, and local golf courses. Floating a river, bird watching and fishing.
Reach Us
CONTACT US
Address:
3080 Jefferson Scio Dr SE, Jefferson Oregon, 97352
Email:
santiamforksfarm@gmail.com
Telephone:
720-768-3210
