The Tree That Watched Lake Oswego Begin

The Peg Tree in 1967 with Mary Goodall

For more than 170 years, one remarkable Douglas fir has quietly witnessed the birth and growth of Lake Oswego. Known as the Peg Tree, it once served as the community's meeting place, classroom, and church—and it still stands today.

A guest post from Oswego Heritage Center Executive Director Kathryn Sinor

"Imagine Oswego in the 1850s: with little infrastructure and farms scattered across the landscape, it was a rural and sparsely populated community (with only 97 people listed in Oswego in census records by 1860!)–but it was still a community. And while there may not have been a city hall, or a formal schoolhouse, people still needed to gather. Beneath a grove of Douglas Firs, they moved rough-hewn benches. Beneath the boughs of the large trees, they discussed business, led religious instruction, taught classes for their children, and began planning out the future of their new home. 

The Peg Tree is the last standing tree from this grove of Douglas Firs, with the rest having been chopped down in the development of the town, much to the anger of local residents. From a wooden peg on the tree, they hung a lantern to provide light for the meetings. You can see some of the peg holes high up, as the tree grew taller and taller through the years. Even after more buildings were added to the town, the Peg Tree was a central location; the Oswego Grange #175 was built beside it, with school classes held inside on weekdays. 

History is caught in its branches, and the magnificent tree is now on the historic tree registry with a plaque for those curious passerbyers. You might not know it as something special until you realize how long it has been there and all it has witnessed. The peg itself is on display at the Oswego Heritage House. The fact it has survived all these years is a testament to the care of local residents in saving this piece of history."

With the Peg Tree in the background

Visit the Lake Oswego Heritage House (often referred to as the heritage society), which preserves and shares the city’s cultural timeline. They operate out of a dedicated historic landmark house in the First Addition neighborhood.

You've probably driven by the Oswego Heritage House - you can go inside too

Visit the Oswego Heritage House at 398 10th St, Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Open Saturdays from 11am - 2pm

And Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays from 10am - 3pm

• Unique Exhibits: Explore hand-painted glass lantern slides from the 1920s and a rotating display of historic quilts. 

• Historic Experiences: Take a docent-led walking tour of Old Town or First Addition or tour the Pioneer Cemetery. 

• Research Center: Access over 30,000 items, including genealogy records and city archives. 

Learn more: https://www.oswegoheritage.org/

A separate, all-volunteer organization called the Lake Oswego Preservation Society also works nearby focusing strictly on architectural advocacy, historic landmark preservation, and educational lake boat tours.