Wilkesboro, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilkesboro, Oregon
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Railroad crossing of the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad at Wilkesboro Road with Oregon 6 in the distance
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 Wilkesboro, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Wilkesboro, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Washington |
| Elevation | 210 ft (60 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 503 and 971 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1637939 |
Wilkesboro is a small place in Washington County, Oregon, United States. It is called an unincorporated community because it does not have its own local government like a city or town. You can find Wilkesboro on Oregon Route 6, about one mile east of the town of Banks.
Contents
History of Wilkesboro
Wilkesboro has a long history, dating back to the mid-1800s. It was named after one of its first settlers, Peyton G. Wilkes.
Early Settlement and Growth
In 1845, Peyton G. Wilkes settled in this area. Later, in 1912, the community was officially planned out, which is called platted. Around this time, a train line called the United Railways built tracks through Wilkesboro. This helped the community grow.
In 1915, Wilkesboro was home to about 50 people. It had two churches, a special club called a fraternal lodge, a group for farmers, and a train station. Over time, more businesses opened, including a grocery store, a meat market, a blacksmith shop, and even a brickyard.
Post Office and Changes
A post office was opened in Wilkesboro in 1916, making it easier for people to send and receive mail. However, by 1932, the post office closed. By 1990, all the original businesses that once thrived in Wilkesboro were gone.
Railroad Connections
Wilkesboro was an important spot for trains and transportation in the past. Several different railway lines connected here.
United Railways and Other Lines
The main line of the United Railways ended in Wilkesboro. From this point, another railway called the Gales Creek and Wilson River Railroad (GC&WR) began. This line stretched for about 12.75 miles to a place called Glenwood.
The GC&WR also connected with the Tillamook Branch of the Southern Pacific line in Wilkesboro. Today, the Portland and Western Railroad operates this line, leasing it from the Port of Tillamook Bay Railroad.
Road Development
In 1957, Oregon Route 6 was extended from Glenwood. Parts of this new road were built on the old, unused tracks of the GC&WR. The United Railways track was eventually extended to Vernonia, but it is no longer in use today.
