Exploring Deadwood

August 11, 2025

Deadwood

Deadwood is located near Mapleton and its history and surrounding areas are deeply intertwined with the early settlement of Oregon and the development of infrastructure to support those communities.

Area History

The area around Deadwood, including Lower Lake Creek and its principal tributaries Nelson and Deadwood Creeks, began attracting settlers in the early 1880s. By 1890, over eighty people were living in the area, drawn by the rich but narrow bottom-lands along these waterways. The early settlers faced challenges due to the lack of a general store, requiring them to travel to nearby towns for trade. The construction of a railroad along the Siuslaw River around 1915 led to the establishment of the first store at Swisshome, marking a significant development for the local community.

In February 1893, a group of Presbyterians incorporated a church at Deadwood, with Albert Robinson as moderator. This was followed by the construction of a church building in early 1894, further establishing the community’s presence in the area. The settlement of Deadwood offered some of the best bottom lands in the Lower Lake Creek country, and by 1898, it was described as “settled for 11 miles from its mouth” with a population of 103 people.

Attractions in the Deadwood Area

One of the main attractions in the Deadwood area is the Deadwood Creek Covered Bridge. Built in 1932 by Lane County’s bridge builder, Miller Sorenson, for $4,814, the bridge features a unique design with deliberately slanted floorboards to improve motorist safety. It spans 105 feet across Deadwood Creek and was part of a coastal range triad of covered bridges. After falling into disrepair, the bridge underwent a significant overhaul in 1986, restoring it to its former glory.

Other attractions near Deadwood include:

Lake Creek Covered Bridge: Another part of the coastal range triad of covered bridges, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into the area’s history. Also known as the Nelson Mountain Covered Bridge.

Deadwood Cemetery: The Deadwood Cemetery was established in 1883 and serves as a final resting place and a historical landmark within the community. The cemetery is an integral part of Deadwood’s heritage. The cemetery is situated at coordinates 44.09580, -123.75190. With 298 memorial records listed, the Deadwood Cemetery encapsulates a significant portion of the local history, commemorating the lives of individuals who have contributed to the community’s development over the years.

The Round Barn: Located east of Deadwood along Oregon State Highway 36 in Blachly is a distinctive historical structure known as the Triangle Lake Round Barn. It was constructed between 1946 and 1949 on a dairy farm in the rural Lake Creek community of Blachly, Lane County. The barn is a one-and-a-half-story building with an 8/12 pitch roof, a concrete foundation, and concrete block walls.

The Deadwood General Store and Tavern: Serves as a central hub for the local community and travelers passing through this part of western Oregon. It is highly regarded for its friendly atmosphere, great food, and the role it plays as the social center of the community. It the only place to eat between Monroe and Mapleton. It is appreciated for its contribution to the community’s social life, providing a welcoming space for both locals and visitors to gather

The Deadwood Community Center: Serves as a vibrant hub for local events and community gatherings. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and aims to promote the social welfare and vitality of the community by providing a facility for community gatherings, information exchange, and supports activities and projects addressing Deadwood issues and concerns. It is also known for hosting local events such as the “3rd Saturday,” which features evenings of good food, music, and dance — featuring various musicians and bands in a family-friendly atmosphere with a floating wooden dance floor in a country setting. They are located 4.3 miles up Deadwood Creek Road, off HWY 36. The address is 91792 Deadwood Creek Rd, Deadwood, Oregon 97430.

The Deadwood area is steeped in history, from its early settlement days to the construction of iconic structures like the Lake Creek Covered Bridge. Today, it serves as a beautiful gateway to exploring the natural beauty and historical landmarks of Oregon’s coastal range.