Elk City, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elk City, Oregon
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Elk City scene in 2008
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 Elk City, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Elk City, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Lincoln |
| Named for | Big Elk Creek |
| Elevation | 371 ft (113 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
97391
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| Area code(s) | 541 |
| Coordinates and elevation from United States Geological Survey | |
Elk City is a small community in Lincoln County, Oregon. It sits along the Yaquina River, east of Newport. You can find it off U.S. Route 20 near Toledo. Elk City is located where Big Elk Creek joins the Yaquina River. This spot is about 23 miles (37 km) upstream from where the river flows into the ocean. Even this far inland, ocean tides can make the river water levels change.
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How Elk City Got Its Name
Elk City was named after Big Elk Creek. People say it was the very first settlement in what is now Lincoln County. A post office opened here in 1868. Back then, it was called Newton. In 1888, the name was changed to Elk City. The Elk City post office closed its doors in 1958.
A Look at Elk City's Past
Elk City was started in 1866 by the Corvallis and Yaquina Wagon Road Company. They built a warehouse and a store, and they planned out the town. Just one year later, Elk City had another store and a hotel. It also had a building that served as both a church and a school.
Boats often traveled up the Yaquina River to Elk City. This community was the last stop for mail that came by land. From Elk City, mail was then delivered downriver by boat.
Railroad Connections
In the late 1800s, Elk City became a stop on the Oregon Pacific Railroad. This railway connected the port city of Yaquina to larger towns like Corvallis and Albany. The Oregon Pacific Railroad later faced money problems. After many years of financial and legal issues, it became part of the Southern Pacific railway in 1907.
The Covered Bridge Story
In 1981, there were plans to fix an old covered bridge over the Yaquina River in Elk City. People raised $20,000 for repairs, and work began. But then, strong winds hit the bridge, causing another $90,000 worth of damage. The county didn't have enough money to finish the repairs. They also couldn't afford to go to court for an insurance payment.
The original bridge was built by the county in 1922. It was a 100-foot (30 m) long Howe truss bridge. It had wooden supports that were starting to rot away.
Elk City River Park
Elk City Park is a public park located in Elk City. Lincoln County operates this park. It covers about 2 acres (0.8 ha) of land. The park offers 12 campsites for people who want to stay overnight. It also has parking areas and spots for day visitors. There is even a boat launch for those who want to get out on the river. Elk City Park is open all year round. However, the campground and restrooms are closed from November to March.
