Chemeketa Chapter Historical Markers

French Prairie Trail Marker - Placed by Chemeketa Chapter, DAR on August 25, 1922. At Salem, in Willson's Park, southwest of the State Capitol; a native boulder with bronze plate inscribed:

     Marking an old trail dedicated to Oregon Pioneers. Placed by Chemeketa Chapter,  D.A.R.,  August 25, 1922.

The boulder was moved to front of building when the Capitol Wings were built. And now rests in its current position in the gardens on the side of the capitol.

Battle of the Abiqua Marker - Erected by Chemeketa Chapter, DAR, on June 24, 1923. On the Cascade Highway (State 211) at milepost 40.23, 3.2 miles northeast of Silverton, made of native stone with bronze plate inscribed:

Battle of the Abiqua, March 5 and 6, 1848.  On this river bluff the Klamath Indians under Chief Red Blanket were defeated by settlers under Ralph C. Geer, Captain; William Parker, First Lieutenant; James Harpole, Second Lieutenant; Wilbur King, Sergeant. Marked by Chemeketa Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, June 24, 1933.

This large boulder was dynamited Oct. 1960.  Replaced by Marion County.  The bronze plate was stolen, Oct. 1961.

Riding Whip Tree Marker - Placed by Chemeketa Chapter DAR, on July 2, 1936. Three miles east of Pratum, or 12 miles Northeast of Salem  in the Waldo Hills, on State Highway 211; made of native stone with bronze plate inscribed:

This cottonwood tree was considered by Homer Davenport as a memorial to his mother who died when he was three years old.  This marker  was rededicated on August 8, 1987.  The address now known as 12390 Sunnyview Rd. NE.  The cottonwood is a Balm of Gilead Cottonwood variety.

Site of Jefferson Institute Marker - Marker of native stone with a bronze plate, 1.5 miles west of Rickreall, toward LaCreole Creek on Bowersville Road.  Inscribed:

Site of Jefferson Institute, Log Cabin built in 1845-46. First academic school built in Polk County opened April 1846 by John E. Lyle. County Court convened Oct. 19, 1846.  Circuit Court on March 1, 1847.  Col. Cornelius Gilliam recruited a Company here for Cayuse Indian War March 1848, after the Whitman Massacre.  Religious services all Denominations.  Chemeketa Chapter, DAR

The Plaque was stolen from this marker. Replaced in June 1959, stolen again.