Azalea, Oregon facts for kids

Azalea is a small, quiet community located in Douglas County, Oregon, in the United States. It's not a city with its own government, but rather an unincorporated community. You can find Azalea about 10 miles northeast of Glendale, Oregon, right along Interstate 5. It sits at an elevation of 1,657 feet, surrounded by beautiful nature.

Discover Azalea, Oregon!

Azalea is a charming spot in Oregon, known for its natural beauty and a bit of interesting history. It's a place where you can imagine what life was like long ago, before cars were common. Even today, it keeps its small-town feel.

Why "Azalea"?

The community of Azalea got its name from the many beautiful azalea flowers that grow there. These colorful plants are abundant in the area. Two specific types, the Azalea occidentalis and the Azaleastrum albiflorum, are common. It's like the town is named after its own natural garden!

A Look Back: Azalea's History

The name "Azalea" wasn't always used for this community. It had a few different names over the years.

• In 1888, a post office was set up here, and it was called "Starveout."
• Later, in 1907, the name changed to "Booth."
• Finally, in 1914, the name became "Azalea."

It's interesting to know that there was actually another "Azalea" post office nearby from 1899 to 1909. The current Azalea community uses the ZIP Code 97410.

The Old General Store

For many years, the Azalea General Store has been an important part of the community. Long ago, when people traveled by horse and buggy, this store was a vital stop. Travelers heading over the mountain pass to Canyonville, Oregon, would often stop at the General Store. They would get supplies and rest before continuing their journey. It was a true hub for the area.

Home of an Olympian

Azalea is also proud to be the hometown of a famous athlete, Tom Pappas. He is a decathlete, which means he competes in ten different track and field events. Tom Pappas even represented the United States in the Olympics in 2000.