Art, History, and Hidden Treasures – Urban Art & Antiques

During a recent visit to Oregon City—one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest settlements—we found ourselves drawn into a fascinating blend of history and art. Nestled in the heart of the city, the John McLoughlin House stands as a testament to Oregon’s early days. But it was a modest painting inside that truly captured our attention.

Hanging above a hefty mid-19th-century sideboard in the dining room is a quietly striking depiction of Mount Hood. At first glance, it could easily have been the work of several noted regional artists—Eliza Barchus, William Samuel Parrott, Cleveland S. Rockwell, or James Everett Stuart—all known for their evocative landscapes of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Having lived in the area for some time, we’ve seen similar paintings surface at local auctions, including those held by O’Gallerie in Portland and McLaren in nearby Aurora.

But this painting had a story all its own.

According to the knowledgeable docent guiding us, the piece is actually a carefully made copy. The original Mount Hood painting was created by John Mix Stanley, a prominent 19th-century artist whose works reach far beyond the region. In fact, the original was sold in the 1990s to help fund much-needed structural repairs to the McLoughlin House, which once belonged to the man dubbed the “Father of Oregon.”

Stanley’s art holds an important place in American Western history. The Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, for example, houses his celebrated painting Oregon City on the Willamette River—a view likely including the very house we were standing in (cover). While we couldn’t confirm the current location of the original Mount Hood painting, we did spot another Stanley work featuring the iconic peak in the University of Michigan’s collection.

But the McLoughlin House is itself a living piece of history. Built in 1846 by Dr. John McLoughlin—former chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort Vancouver—the home served as his retirement residence in Oregon City. After McLoughlin’s passing in 1857, the house transitioned through many uses, including functioning as a hotel. To save it from demolition in 1909, it was relocated to Singer Hill, overlooking downtown Oregon City. Since 1910, it has welcomed visitors as a museum and was designated a National Historic Site in 1941.

The house sits among other period homes, including the nearby Barclay House, built just three years later. This residence belonged to Dr. Forbes Barclay, a Scottish-born physician and contemporary of McLoughlin, who also had ties to the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Inside, the house is filled with a variety of antiques and portraits from the period—some owned by McLoughlin himself and others donated over time. Our docent mentioned that the “father of Oregon” had quite a temper, and his wife was adept at keeping it in check. The dining table reportedly bears indentations made when McLoughlin banged his ring in moments of frustration. In addition to a personal guided tour, we were invited to an engaging talk by a volunteer who impersonates McLoughlin, dressed in period clothing, bringing history vividly to life.

Oregon City offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Pacific Northwest history and art. The John McLoughlin House serves not only as a preserved historic site but also as a cultural treasure trove, housing artifacts and artwork that connect visitors to the region’s pioneer past. 

Tips for Visiting

• Plan Ahead: Check the John McLoughlin House’s official hours and guided tour times via the National Park Service website to make the most of your visit.
• Combine Visits: Pair your trip to McLoughlin House with nearby historic sites like the Barclay House and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center for a full day of history and art.
• Don’t miss a ride on the Municipal Elevator and step into the restaurants and antique shops while you’re there!