The town of Banks was formed by many early Oregon settlers and pioneers Many important local men, women and families in the area played key roles in the town growing and prospering, including running businesses, local government and more.
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.
In 1897 Jabez and Mary Wilkes sold their part of the original Wilkes claim to Conrad Schulmerich and his family. Conrad died later that year and his son Joseph inherited the land known as “The Wilkes place.” Joseph Schulmerich went on to become the first mayor of the unincorporated town of Banks.
