Powellhurst-Gilbert, Portland, Oregon facts for kids

Powellhurst-Gilbert is a lively neighborhood located in the southeast part of Portland, Oregon. It's a big and busy area, home to many people and interesting places.

Discover Powellhurst-Gilbert!

This neighborhood is one of the largest in Portland. It covers about 8.90 square kilometers. With over 32,000 residents, it is the most populated neighborhood in the entire city!

Where is Powellhurst-Gilbert?

Powellhurst-Gilbert shares its borders with several other neighborhoods. To the north, you'll find Montavilla, Hazelwood, and Mill Park. On the east, it borders Centennial and Pleasant Valley. Pleasant Valley also touches its southern edge. Finally, to the west, it's next to Lents and South Tabor.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The name "Powellhurst-Gilbert" comes from two local schools. The "Powellhurst" part was named in the 1920s. It honors Jackson Powell, who settled in the area in the 1850s. The "Gilbert" part is named after William M. Gilbert. He was a person from Indiana who moved to this area around 1890.

A Look Back in Time

Farmers started settling here in the mid-1800s. They used a special law called the Donation Land Claim Act. This law helped people get land to farm. In 1892, a train service to Portland began. This made more people want to live here. The area grew into a suburb. Portland gradually added this suburb to the city. This process started in the 1960s and finished in 1994.

A Diverse Community

Powellhurst-Gilbert is known for its diverse population. It has the largest Asian population in Portland. About 17.89% of the city's Asian residents live here. This makes it a vibrant and multicultural place. The neighborhood is also home to the Jade District. This is a special area with many businesses and cultural activities.