Willamette Iron and Steel Works

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Willamette Iron Works was a general foundry and machine business established in 1865 in Portland, Oregon, originally specializing in the manufacture of steamboat boilers and engines.[1] In 1904, the company changed its name to Willamette Iron and Steel Works, under which name it operated continually[2] until its close in 1990.

The works was very busy during both World Wars I and II, building small naval auxiliaries, minesweepers, patrol craft, submarine chasers, and non-self-propelled lighters. Between the wars, the shipyard concentrated on building small commercial vessels.[3]

During the 1920s, the company manufactured a geared steam locomotive known as the "Willamette", a Shay-type locomotive for use in logging operations in Washington and Oregon. These locomotives were of a unique design and are of great interest to old train buffs.

In the early 1970s, the company manufactured the first three turbine units for the third powerhouse to be built at Grand Coulee Dam.[4]

The company also made fire hydrants for the city of Portland in the late 19th century.[5]

In 1945, after World War II ended, Willamette Iron and Steel continued as mostly a ship repair facility. Over the years, business dropped as larger shipyards grew, and Willamette finally closed in 1990.


[edit] References

  1. ^ Scott, Harvey Whitefield (Ed.) (1890). History of Portland Oregon With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Prominent Citizens and Pioneers. Syracuse, N. Y.: D. Mason & Co., 149, 571. 
  2. ^ Willamette Iron & Steel Corp., Portland OR. Maritime Business Strategies, LLC. Retrieved on 2008-01-15.
  3. ^ Willamette Iron & Steel Corp., Portland OR. Maritime Business Strategies, LLC. Retrieved on 2008-01-15.
  4. ^ Simonds, William Joe. "Columbia Basin Project (2nd Draft)", U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 1998. Retrieved on 2008-01-15. 
  5. ^ McMillan, Allen. Portland Oregon Fire Hydrants. firehydrant.org. Retrieved on 2008-01-15.
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