Tigard, Oregon
Tigard, Oregon is an Oregon-based city that’s also part of Washington County. Aside from being Oregon’s twelfth most significant city and having a 48,035 population according to the 2010 census, there’s a whole lot of history behind its establishment. It was initially a settlement of families no bigger than a small neighborhood, as in the case with many Willamette Valley towns.
The town was originally named after one of the more notable families—the Tigard Family who had Wilson M. Tigard as its head. The family arrived and settled in 1852 at East Butte. They were involved in the building of the town’s significant infrastructures such as a meeting hall, a general store that also contained the post office, and the East Butte School. The Tigards contributed so much to their community that “East Butte” farming commune was rechristened in 1886 as “Tigardville” in honor of their efforts.
Around 1896, Tigardville experienced new growth due to Germans settling there. In 1907, “Tigardville” again changed its name to “Tigard.” the early 20th Century or from 1907 to 1910, several commerce buildings were built such as a livery stable, a post office and shop, and Germania Hall which was home to rental rooms, a dance hall, a grocery, and a restaurant. In 1910, Tigardville shifted to a more commercial destination due to the establishment of Main Street care of the Oregon Electric Railway.
In 1911, Tigard became part of the electric grid along with Tualatin and Sherwood care of the Tualatin Valley Electric Company. In the Thirties, the walkways and streets of Main Street got paved to help with the growing town turned city. Fast forward to the 21st Century or 2004, and Tigard voted to annex Bull Mountain suburbs with the city.
In regards to the touristy aspects of Tigard, it offers Cook Park as a great place to visit with its boat ramp, playground, and sports fields. As for the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, it’s a nature preserve with walking trails galore. Summerlake City Park is also a must-see attraction due to its footbridges and waterfowl swimming by a gorgeous lake.
