Airlie, Oregon facts for kids

Airlie is a small, unincorporated community located in Polk County, Oregon, in the United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town.

What is Airlie?

Airlie is a quiet place in Oregon. It is not a city or a town with its own mayor or city council. Instead, it is part of the larger county government.

The History of Airlie

How Did Airlie Get Its Name?

The community of Airlie was named after a person named David Ogilvy. He was the 10th Earl of Airlie from Scotland. An "Earl" is a noble title, like a duke or a count. David Ogilvy was also the president of a train company called the Oregonian Railway Company.

Airlie and the Railroad

Airlie was a very important spot for the Oregonian Railway Company. It was the very end of their train tracks, known as the "southern terminus." These tracks were "narrow-gauge," meaning they were narrower than most train tracks today.

Later, the tracks were made wider to a "standard gauge." This made it easier for different trains to use them. The train line was then bought by another big company, the Southern Pacific Railroad. By 1929, the train tracks that went to Airlie were removed.

Airlie's Post Office

A post office was opened in Airlie in 1882. It helped people send and receive mail. The post office operated on and off for many years until it finally closed in 1943.

The Airlie Red Flesh Apple

An Apple from Airlie

A special kind of apple called the Airlie Red Flesh actually came from this community. This apple is a "cultivar." A cultivar is a type of plant that has been grown and chosen for certain features, like its taste or color. The Airlie Red Flesh apple is known for its unique red flesh inside.