This tiny village, with structures dating back to its inception in the mid-1800’s, retains much of the flavor of its past. A stroll through Brownsville’s shady Pioneer Park, an afternoon at one of Oregon’s best museums, right in the center of town, or a tour of the magnificent Moyer House, once the home of Brownsville’s wealthiest citizen, takes visitors on an incomparable journey into the past, and Brownsville landmark, the Living Rock Studio Museum is an unforgettable sight.
Brownsville: An Early Oregon Trail Destination
Early pioneers, often travelling several thousand miles by covered wagon, began settling Brownsville in 1843. The Linn County Historical Museum, in the heart of downtown Brownsville, displays the covered wagon that brought one family over the vast American Plains, the treacherous Rocky Mountains, and on to Brownsville. Astonished museum visitors often note the size of the wagon is not much larger than today’s delivery vans.
Brownsville rewarded those early settlers with the opportunity to build an abundant life farming the rich soil, fishing the abundant rivers nearby, and harvesting surrounding timber to construct their houses and barns. Brownsville’s unusually comprehensive museum, which incorporates an old, relocated train depot, gives today’s visitors a glimpse into the past with such realistic displays as an old-time dentist’s office and apothecary, a general store, a bank, milliners shop, and many antique tools, machinery, and household furnishings.
Oregon’s Best Italianate Mansion Graces Brownsville
Built by John Moyer and Elizabeth Brown Moyer, daughter of one of Brownsville’s founders, this elegant 1881 Italianate mansion sits regally above the city’s Main Street. Originally setting on over 7 acres of land, the Moyer house was a statement of the family’s wealth, and standing in the community.
With 12 ft. ceilings, rich wood carved details, hand painted landscapes adorning interior walls, and a cupola on top, this former home of one of Brownsville’s, early entrepreneurs is an Oregon must-see.
America’s Only Living Rock Studio
Designed and hand crafted by long-time Brownsville lapidarist, Howard Taylor, this two story, circular building, replete with stone towers and turrets, is reminiscent of old-world fortresses and castles. Inside, made completely of rocks, agates, petrified wood, flagstone, crystals, and hundreds of other precious rocks, minerals, and stones, is a grand staircase, a stone tree, unique stone sculptures, and enough exhibits to intrigue rock-loving visitor for hours.
Since many of the unusual rocks in this lifework of Mr. Taylor, now deceased, make interesting changes under light, the dimly lit interior of this amazing structure is best appreciated by flashlight. Visitors are provided with flashlights, and Taylor’s daughter, Nancy, leads free tours. While there is no entrance fee, and tours are free, donations are gladly accepted. The museum’s gift store offers a wide variety of memorabilia.
Brownsville: The Town Time Didn’t Forget
This tiny dot on Oregon’s gorgeous green landscape is still a destination point for many homeowners wishing to live in a thriving community with a homespun feel. Brownsville’s older homes, from simple cabins to majestic 2-story dwellings, are highly sought. In addition to honoring its past, this tiny community of 1,700 serves present-day residents and visitors with restaurants, art galleries, shopping, schools, its own newspaper, a bed and breakfast, and medical facilities. Community activities such as the annual Pioneer Picnic, Antique Faire, Christmas bazaar, and a 50’s car show and sock hop provide great entertainment for all.
Donna Hinton - As a former hypnotherapist I developed literature related to smoking cessation, weight management and other behavioral issues. I have ...
Join the Conversation