Behind the Scenes: Investigating Processes Shaping Willamette Valley Architecture 1840-1865 With a Case Study in Brownsville

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2014-09-29

Authors

Trexler, Susan

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Oregon

Abstract

This thesis studies the diffusion of architectural types and the rise of regionally distinct typologies in the Willamette Valley's settlement period (1840-1865) in Oregon. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze the dispersion of architectural types within the Willamette Valley revealed trends amongst the extant settlement architecture samples. Brownsville, Oregon, was identified to have a locally-specific architectural subtype, the closer study of which enabled deeper investigation of the development of architectural landscapes during the Willamette Valley's settlement period. Field and archival research revealed that the appearance of an architectural subtype, at least in Brownsville, was not directly connected to a shared provenance of settlers but rather came about through a number of regionally-specific circumstances, especially an active local carpenter community.

Description

Keywords

Brownsville, Cultural diffusion, Historic preservation, Oregon Trail, Settlement, Willamette Valley

Citation