Mapleton, Oregon, is an unincorporated community in Lane County, established in 1886. It is situated on Oregon Route 126 and the Siuslaw River, approximately 45 miles west of Eugene and 15 miles east of Florence. The town was likely named by Julia Ann “Grandma” Bean for the abundance of Bigleaf Maple trees in the area. The Beans were pioneers of 1852 who moved to the Mapleton area in 1886, and the town was named shortly thereafter. A post office called Seaton was established north of the locality in 1885, and when it moved to the Mapleton area in 1889, Mrs. Bean became the postmaster. The post office was renamed Mapleton to match the town in 1896.
The climate in Mapleton is characterized as a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, according to the Köppen Climate Classification system. The region experiences warm and dry summers with a significant amount of precipitation occurring in the winter months.
As of the 2020 census, Mapleton had a population of 493, with a density of 548.39 people per square mile[1]. The town’s economy has historically been dominated by forestry and forest products. However, the closure of Davidson Industries mills along the Siuslaw River in the 1990s had a significant impact on forest industry employment and the local economy. Despite these challenges, the community has shown resilience, with residents actively involved in various community organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the town’s future.
The history of Mapleton is not only about its establishment and economy but also about the Native American tribes that inhabited the region before European settlers arrived. The area was rich with indigenous culture, with societies that were as varied as the landscapes they inhabited. These societies had complex social structures and were deeply connected to their cultural and spiritual traditions.
In summary, Mapleton, Oregon, has a history that dates back to its establishment in the late 19th century, with its name reflecting the natural environment of the area. The town has faced economic challenges but remains a tight-knit community with a strong sense of identity and a commitment to its future. The region’s history is also intertwined with the stories of the Native American tribes that lived there long before settlers arrived.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapleton,_Oregon
[2] https://www.mapleton.org/about/history/index.php
[3] https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/m/MAPLETON.shtml
[4] https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US4145750-mapleton-or/
[6] https://americanindiancoc.org/native-american-tribes-the-indian-history-in-mapleton-oregon/
[7] https://www.siuslaw.org/the-story-of-the-siuslaw/
[8] https://history.state.gov/milestones/1830-1860/oregon-territory
[9] https://www.jstor.org/stable/20613361
[10] https://riskfactor.com/city/mapleton-or/4145750_fsid/flood?utm_source=redfin
[11] https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5402415.pdf
[12] http://cherylhill.net/blog/2010/10/29/mapleton/
[13] https://www.siuslawpioneermuseum.com/pioneer-museum/
[14] https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/downloads/8336h346f
[15] https://www.mapletonwd.org/our-history
[16] https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm8K2_Mapleton_Hill_Pioneer_Trail
[17] https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=113262
[18] http://www.oregonpioneers.com/1845.htm
[19] https://www.loc.gov/item/2017760765/
[20] https://censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US4145750-mapleton-or/
