Chehalem, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chehalem
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 Chehalem
Location in Oregon
Chehalem
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Washington |
| Elevation | 259 ft (79 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1136142 |
Chehalem is a small, unincorporated community located in Washington County, Oregon, in the United States. It's found southwest of the town of Sherwood, right along Oregon Route 99W.
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What is Chehalem?
Chehalem is known as an unincorporated community. This means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town would. Instead, the area is managed by the larger Washington County.
Where is Chehalem Located?
This community is situated in the beautiful state of Oregon. You can find it in the western part of the state. It's specifically southwest of Sherwood, a well-known town in the area. The main road passing through Chehalem is Oregon Route 99W.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Chehalem" has a very interesting history. It comes from the language of the Atfalati people. The Atfalati were a group of Native Americans who lived in this area long before settlers arrived.
How the Name Changed
The word "Chehalem" is actually a changed version of the Atfalati word "Chahelim." This original word was given in 1877 to one of the specific groups, or bands, of the Atfalati people. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling changed, leading to the name we use today. This shows how places often get their names from the history and original inhabitants of the land.
