2025 Membership Drive
Support the preservation of our community’s heritage by becoming a member of the Banks Historical Society!
We’re a bit understaffed in the tech department (as in, we don’t have a tech department), so until we get an online form working properly, please…
Our Mission:
The mission of the Banks Historical Society is to preserve, protect, and promote the history and heritage of Banks, Oregon – and all municipalities and rural areas within the Banks School District – through educational programs, exhibitions, community engagement, and recognition of local, state, and national historic landmarks and resources in the service area.
The Banks Historical Society is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and historical purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible.
The History of Banks, Oregon
On this site you can learn about the heritage of Banks and read through many historical facts, stories, and photographs. We have also published two books: Banks: A Town on the Move and a Walking Tour of Banks, Oregon. Both are available through the Banks Historical Society and at Jim’s supermarket in Banks.
The area where the City of Banks now resides was once part of a vast and vibrant network of Native American settlements and trade routes that had flourished for more than 5,000 years. Before 1780, it is estimated that as many as 3,000 people, members of the Atfalati Kalapuya people, called this area home.
Oregon Trail pioneers Peyton and Anna Wilkes and their children were the Banks area’s first permanent Euro-American settlers. The Wilkes family came on the Oregon Trail with the Barlows in 1845 and, in 1847, laid claim to 634.49 acres of land — nearly a section — that included the place where Banks would eventually grow. They initially built a log cabin and, in the early 1870s, Jabez Wilkes, the son of Peyton and Anna, built a stately home that still stands today.
Historical records indicate the Wilkes family lived harmoniously alongside the Atfalati, who used the land along Dairy Creek for their summer encampments. Recently uncovered historical information, first-person accounts and Native American objects found in an archeological survey in the area indicate there was a rich, cultural exchange that took place here.
Learn how the Wilkes House and its 150 years of Oregon Trail pioneer architecture and cultural history were wiped out in a matter of minutes — despite there being no need or urgency to do so.
Visit our Media page to learn about our preservation effort and read the media coverage
~~~
A settlement grew up around the Wilkes’ property.
In 1870, William Mills donated part of his land for a cemetery – now called Union Point Cemetery. A Post Office was started in the late 1890s, officially being established on January 21, 1902. Ewell S. Turner (1870 – 1919) was the first Postmaster. Montgomery “Gum” Turner, a brother of Ewell, was a storekeeper in Greenville, a settlement two miles to the south of the current town ot Banks. It was a small community developed as a meeting place for trappers and early area settlers.
The name “Turner” was submitted for the Post Office, however, a Post Office (town) by that name already existed in Oregon. Therefore, Banks was submitted to the Government as brothers John and Robert Banks owned land next to the Union Point Cemetery on Banks Road and were instrumental in developing Banks along with the new railroad. In addition to their land, John L. Banks bought land from the Wilkes and added many improvements in the area that is known today as Quail Valley Golf Course.
Today’s United Methodist Church (originally known as the community church) was started in 1908. It was built by Mike Schrammel and Phil Parmley and dedicated in 1909. The first town bank was built in 1909. In 1921, the town of Banks was incorporated, with a population of 75 at the time. The reservoir and water system came in 1924 for $30,000, and a sewer system in 1938 for $10,000. In 1910, 100 Japanese families came to Banks and started raising strawberries. By 1950, acreage had grown to the point where the Banks Bar-B-Q program reported that 4,000 tons of berries were handled annually in Banks.
More Information
To learn more about the rich history of Banks, visit the other pages of this site. We continue to add more! Also, the Banks Historical Society has published the book Banks: A Town on the Move along with an updated walking tour of historical sights in the city. Books are usually available at Jim’s Market or you may purchase them directly through the Banks Historical Society at bankshistoricalsociety@gmail.com or (503) 389-8967. All proceeds benefit the all volunteer, non-profit Banks Historical Society.
The Washington County Historical Society and Museum has more history of Washington County. You can also visit washingtoncountyheritage.org