Where to Celebrate Coos Bay's 150-Year History this Summer & Fall!

The renowned American poet Maya Angelou once said, “I have great respect for the past. If you don’t know where you’ve come from, you don’t know where you’re going.” This sentiment rings especially true for Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, a region steeped in indigenous history, maritime heritage, natural beauty, and a resilient community spirit. In downtown Coos Bay, historic buildings stand alongside a diverse array of restaurants, unique shops, museums, and more.

In 2024, Coos Bay celebrates its 150th anniversary. Originally known as Marshfield, the city was incorporated on October 24, 1874, named after founder J.C. Tolman’s Massachusetts hometown. Its history, however, extends far beyond this date, encompassing thousands of years of indigenous habitation by the Coquille Indian Tribe , Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Siuslaw and Lower Umpqua Indians , and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians . In 1944, residents voted to rename the city Coos Bay, honoring its prominent geographic feature, the deep-water bay for which is shares a name. In 1964, the nearby city of Empire merged with Coos Bay, a welcome addition due to its strategic location for shipping and timber. In 1983, the city further expanded by merging with the city of Eastside, solidifying its status as the largest city on the Oregon Coast. Here are some resources and ideas to help you celebrate Coos Bay’s 150th anniversary and explore its rich history:

Discover the Unique History of Coos Bay on a Self Guided Walking Tour

You can learn a lot about the history of our region simply by taking a Historic Walking Tour of Coos Bay . This self-guided experience is completely free and offers a unique exploration of the city as you travel back in time and discover notable properties built near the turn of the century. A treasure hunt for brass plaques reveals the once-bustling Historic Front Street , lined with thriving businesses from the mid-1850s until the 1920s. A short stroll north from the downtown boardwalk offers views of working tugs, while the Coos History Museum provides a fresh perspective on the waterfront’s potential. Download a printable brochure and map, or pick one up at the Coos Bay Visitors Center in downtown.

Attend One of the Many Events Celebrating Coos Bay’s Sesquicentennial

As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, a wide range of events and activities are taking place throughout the summer and fall to mark this significant milestone. From community festivals to historical exhibits, there are plenty of opportunities to commemorate and explore our region. The months-long sesquicentennial celebrations will culminate in a grand blowout block party on October 26, 2024 in Coos Bay Village , Coos History Museum and Historic Front Street . This event will feature music, family-friendly activities, and birthday cupcakes for all to enjoy! For a list of all the events scheduled to celebrate Coos Bay’s birthday, click here and visit our Events Page and Calendar of Activities .

Embark on a Historical Home Tour of Coos Bay

It’s a little known secret that Coos Bay is a treasure trove of beautifully preserved historic homes built by prominent figures reflecting our maritime history and prosperity brought by the shipping and timber industry. Explore some of the earliest structures built during the town’s formative years with a Self-Guided Driving Tour of the Historic Homes across the city and its Empire District. Discover the compelling stories and architectural legacies that helped shape our city. As you drive through these historic neighborhoods, you’ll not only discover the stories of the people who built and lived in these homes, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the heritage of Coos Bay. We listed some historic homes of interest below. For a detailed exploration of these historical properties, download the map provided . Many historic homes are private residences. Please respect the privacy of the homeowners by viewing these properties from the street.

Historical Homes in Coos Bay

• Horsefall House (1900) - 1007 S 2nd St
• Nerdrum-Conrad House (1912) - 979 S 5th St
• Nerdrum House (1912) - 955 S 5th St
• W.J. Conrad House (1900+) - 480 Hall Ave (5th & Hall)
• Captain Bror W. Olsson Residence (1913) - 631 S 10th S
• Ostlind House (1929) - 415 S 6th St
• Myren-Hillstrom House (1889) - 353 S 5th St
• Myrtle Arms Apartments (1914) - 613 W Central Ave
• R.F. Williams House (1896) - 936 Central Ave
• Rudnas House (1885) - 232 Park Ave.
• Luse House (1885) -487 N 4th St
• Siglin House (1889) - 474 Park Ave

Historical Homes in the Empire District

• Old Tower House & Captain’s House (1872) - 476 Newmark
• Major Morton Tower House (1869, 1892) - 486 Schetter
• Century House (1885) - 317 N. Empire Blvd.
• Century House (1901) - 333 N. Empire Blvd.
• Captain James Magee House (1873) - 155 S. Mill
• Century House (1886) - 208 S. Empire Blvd.
• Captain’s House (1925) - 288 S. Empire Blvd.
• Captain’s House (1932) - 395 S Empire Blvd.
• Century & Captain’s House (1890) - 435 S. Empire Blvd.
• Empire House (1924) - 467 S Empire Blvd.
• Century & Captain’s House (1901) - 342 S Marple

Tour the Coos History Museum

When it comes to learning about the cultural history of the Coos region and Oregon’s South Coast, the Coos History Museum & Maritime Collections is a premier resource. This bay front museum, operated by Oregon’s oldest historical society, features permanent and ever-changing exhibits highlighting artifacts, images, and archival material relevant to Coos regional history, dating from prehistory through the 1970s. Visitors will gain an historic overview of the Coos and Coquille Indian tribes, as well as coal miners, loggers, shipbuilders and local shipwrecks that helped shape the area. The Coos History Museum frequently hosts traveling exhibits, speakers and special events open to the whole family. Visit their Events Page to view upcoming events. You can also view their Facebook page for updates. For more information, please visit our website cooshistory.org .

Other Ways to Discover Coos Bay’s Past

• Visit the Coos Bay Visitor Information Center (50 Central Ave) for a small treasure trove of information, historical books, souvenirs, regional information and more.
• Be inspired at Coos Art Museum, the cornerstone of visual arts on Oregon’s Southern Coast.
• Discover the fascinating history of the Marshfield Sun Printing Museum (1049 North Front Street). It was originally the office for the Marshfield Sun Newspaper, established in 1891. This museum offers a glimpse into the early days of newspaper printing and the role it played in the community’s development.
• Explore the Old Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery (750 S 7th St), where many of the city’s early settlers are buried. This peaceful resting place provides a poignant reminder of the generations that have shaped Coos Bay. Stop at the Coos Bay Visitor Center for the gate code.
• Take a trip back in time at the Oregon Coast Historical Railway Museum (766 South 1st St).
• Discover the fun, quirky side of Oregon’s Adventure Coast at various destinations on The Oregon Coast Public Art Trail.

Over the last 150 years, the City of Coos Bay has navigated social and economic shifts, natural disasters, and cultural transformations. What began as a bustling port town in the mid-1800s, driven by the timber industry, has transformed into a beacon of coastal charm. Today, Coos Bay embraces tourism, outdoor recreation, and conservation to showcase the region’s diverse landscapes and vibrant heritage. For more information, please contact the Coos Bay-North Bend-Charleston Visitor & Convention Bureau .