Coryell Pass facts for kids
Coryell Pass is a natural opening, like a low spot or a break, in the hills near Eugene, Oregon. It's found where the Coast Fork and Middle Fork of the Willamette River meet. This pass is important because it was once a key part of the famous Oregon Trail, used by pioneers traveling west.
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What is Coryell Pass?
Coryell Pass is a natural gap in the land. It's formed by the Willamette River flowing between the South Hills of Eugene and Quarry Butte in Springfield. Think of it like a natural pathway through the landscape.
Where is Coryell Pass Located?
You can find Coryell Pass in Lane County, Oregon. It's very close to the cities of Eugene and Springfield. The pass is right where two parts of the Willamette River, the Coast Fork and the Middle Fork, join together.
Why Was Coryell Pass Important?
This pass played a big role in history, especially for the Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail was a long path used by pioneers in the 1800s to travel from the eastern United States to the West. Coryell Pass was part of the southern route of this trail, which was explored by a man named Jesse Applegate. This specific route was even called the Applegate Trail.
Pioneers often camped at Coryell Pass because it had a natural spring, which meant fresh water. It was a good resting spot on their long journey.
The Coryell Family and Their Ferry
One of the first ferries in Oregon was started right here at Coryell Pass in 1847. It was operated by Abraham Coryell and his son, Lewis. A ferry is a boat that carries people and wagons across a river. This ferry helped pioneers cross the Willamette River safely.
Before the Coryells settled there, a pioneer named Elijah Bristow had passed through this area in 1846. The Coryell family later made their home near the pass.
The D.A.R. Marker
Today, Coryell Pass is remembered with a special brass marker. This marker is located on Franklin Boulevard, which used to be part of the old Pacific Highway (now U.S. Route 99).
The marker was placed by a group called the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.). This organization is made up of women who are direct descendants of people who helped during the American Revolution. They work to preserve history and promote education.
The marker reads: "Coryell Pass, Oregon Trail, 1846, Erected by Oregon Lewis and Clark Chapter D.A.R., 1917." This tells us that the marker was put up in 1917 by the local D.A.R. chapter to honor the pass's role in the Oregon Trail.
