PORTLAND, Ore. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Portland District, has unveiled the official story map for the Willamette Falls Locks, a historic navigation canal located in Oregon.
Constructed in 1873, the Locks were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 2011, USACE closed the Locks to vessel traffic under its emergency operational authority due to life safety concerns. This closure adversely affected the site's historical associations, particularly in transportation and navigation history, and impeded tribal access for traditional cultural practices at Willamette Falls.
Following the completion of seismic upgrades and the resolution of safety issues, ownership of the Locks will transfer to the Willamette Falls Locks Authority. This transition is guided by a memorandum of agreement among USACE, the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The agreement mandates the development of a story map detailing the Locks' history, long-term operations, preservation advocacy, and transfer process.
The story map, utilizing geographic information system (GIS) technology, features current and historical photographs, maps, and other visuals such as artifact images and newspaper articles. A draft version was distributed to Oregon SHPO, Indian Tribes, and concurring parties for a 30-day review period, during which USACE addressed feedback and concerns.
The story map highlights the long history and contributions of the Locks to the region, while looking to the future as USACE transfers it to the Willamette Falls Locks Authority.
Release no. 25-018