OREGON'S HISTORY

In 1852, the Hazeltown wagon train left Missouri for the Oregon Territory. Among the five families heading west for new opportunities was Henry W. Taylor, his wife and nine children. They took their place in history by joining in the manifest destiny that brought many settlers across the hot and dusty prairies to work and live on their own land in Oregon. Throughout the years, the Taylor family managed to preserve a few of the items that came over with their ancestors on the wagon train. These items include a muzzle-loader rifle, a gun powder horn and a rawhide bottom chair. Also there is the original deed to the homestead property in Cottage Grove, signed by Andrew Johnson. All items are on exhibit at the studios.

Native Americans established Oregon long before settlers came to the territory. Their skills, culture and way of life reflected in their tools, art and clothing. To find a Native American artifact is to uncover an important piece of history. At The Living Rock Studios, there are a number of Native American artifacts that were donated to the studios through the years. A stone bowl created and used by the Calapuya Indians, an ax head, a historic map of all the reservations in Oregon and a rock carving are just a few of the artifacts on display.