The Willamette Stone: The starting point of Oregon and Washington land surveys

(JANUARY 17, 2025) In 1851, a small wooden stake was placed in the hills west of Portland. This spot became the starting point for all land surveys in Oregon and Washington. It is now called the Willamette Stone.  

The Willamette Stone is part of a system called the rectangular survey system. This system divides land into square sections to help people know exactly where land begins and ends. John B. Preston, the first Surveyor General of the Oregon Territory, chose this location. Two important lines meet here:  

• The Willamette Meridian, a line that runs north and south.  

• The Baseline, a line that runs east and west.  

These lines helped divide land into smaller squares so settlers could claim and buy land. This system made it easier for people to settle in Oregon and Washington.  

The original wooden stake was replaced by a stone monument in 1885. Over the years, the stone was damaged and replaced several times. In 1956, the stone was set in a large concrete base with signs explaining its history.  

Today, you can visit the Willamette Stone at the Willamette Stone State Heritage Site. The park is near Skyline Drive in Portland. A short, easy trail leads to the monument. You can read signs, touch the monument, and learn about how land was measured and divided.  

The Willamette Stone is an important part of history. It shows how Oregon and Washington grew and how land was organized for settlers.