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.
READERS RESPOND: Survey shows disappointment in destruction of historic Wilkes House in Banks, Forest Grove News Times, 15 July 2024
‘We got really ripped off'” Calls for accountability emerge following demise of Banks’ historic Wilkes House, Hillsboro News-Times, 9 July 2024
1870s Oregon farmhouse torn down for proposed water treatment facility, The Oregonian, 5 July 2024
Demolition abruptly ends campaign to save historic farmhouse in Banks, KGW TV, 5 July 2024
150-year-old historic Wilkes House demolished amid preservation efforts in Banks, Beaverton Valley Times
5 July 2024
Wilkes House demolished Friday morning, The Banks Post, 5 July 2024
Stunning 19th Century home that’s rare Oregon Trail survivor abruptly torn down to make way for water treatment facility, MSN & The Daily Mail (UK), 5 July 2024
Historic Wilkes House In Banks Falls To Developers’ Dozer, Hillsboro Herald, 6 July 2024
Media prior to demolition:
Residents of tiny Oregon town try to stop 1870s farmhouse from being replaced by water treatment plant, The Oregonian, 3 July 2024
Banks Historical Society working to save house dating back 150 years, KGW TV, 3 July 2024
Banks Historical Society launches fundraiser to save Wilkes House, The Banks Post, 3 July 2024
PRESS RELEASE:
In June 2024, the Banks Historical Society launched a “Save the Wilkes House” campaign with a GoFundMe to raise funds for the preservation of the 150-year-old Wilkes house — and the acre of heritage trees surrounding it — for the creation of a one-acre city park, cultural center and museum.
![](https://bankshistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Then-and-Now-Image.jpeg)
Banks Historical Society Launches Save the Wilkes House Campaign
For more information on the project and ongoing updates, visit the Banks Historical Society Facebook page. If you would like to get involved, please contact the Banks Historical Society at bankshistoricalsociety@gmail.com or (503) 389-8967.