Siletz Agency Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Siletz Agency Site
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Pow-wow grounds at the Siletz Agency Site in 2013.
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| Location | Siletz–Logsden Road Siletz, Oregon |
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| Area | 36.55 acres (14.79 ha) |
| Built | ca. 1856–1895 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001582 |
| Added to NRHP | January 1, 1976 |
The Siletz Agency Site, also known as Government Hill, is a special historical place and park in Siletz, Oregon, United States. It holds important memories for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. This site reminds everyone of a difficult time in history for Native American tribes on the Oregon Coast. Today, it is still a very important place for the Siletz people.
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What is the Siletz Agency Site?
The Siletz Agency Site is a historic area that was once a center for the United States government to manage Native American affairs. It is located in the town of Siletz, Oregon. The site is also called "Government Hill" because it was where many government buildings stood.
A New Home for Many Tribes
Starting in 1855, the U.S. Army moved over 2,600 people from many different Native American tribes to the Siletz Reservation. This was a forced move, meaning the people did not choose to go. They were made to leave their homes and move to this new area.
The U.S. government set up an "Indian agency" at Siletz in 1857. An agency was like an office that managed the lives of the Native Americans on the reservation. It was a difficult time for the tribes. Within 30 years, the number of Native Americans living there had dropped to about 600 people.
Life at the Agency
Over time, the Siletz Agency grew. By the time it closed in 1925, it had many buildings. These included a blockhouse (a small fort), a boarding house (where people lived), a schoolhouse, and a barn. There was also an office building, homes for employees, and a hospital that also served as a meeting house. The site also had a cemetery. Some of these buildings are no longer there today.
Why is This Site Important Today?
The Siletz Agency Site is a powerful reminder of the past. It tells the story of the Native American tribes who were moved to the Siletz Reservation. It shows the challenges they faced and how they survived.
For the members of the Siletz tribes, this site is still a very important place. It helps them remember their history and their ancestors. In 1976, the Siletz Agency Site was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a significant historical place in the United States.
