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About Portland

Host of the 16th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect and a favorite destination in the West, Portland offers its visitors the rare combination of small town charm and urban vitality in a setting of scenic wonder. Old-growth trees predate the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition. To the east and past the Willamette River, which spirals through the city's center, the Columbia River Gorge emerges—amidst a snow-capped Mount Hood. The Oregon Pacific coastline dazzles nearby to the west. Flowers abound in Portland, designated as the City of Roses for its 500 varieties that bloom each year from May through October. Also rich in history, culture, and diversity, this is Portland—our host city.

Portland started as The Clearing, located on the banks of the Willamette River about halfway between Oregon City and Fort Vancouver. Founded in 1845 and named for Portland, Maine by the winner of a coin flip, Portland grew rapidly after 1850, serving as the major port in the Pacific Northwest and a supply point for the California gold fields. Further growth accompanied the coming of the railroad in 1883, the Alaska gold rush of 1897—1900, and the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition in 1905.

Portland history, similar to other west coast ports, also exposes a dark side as home to frequent acts of shanghaiing, i.e., the act of forcibly conscripting a person to serve a term working on a ship, typically a man who had been rendered senseless by alcohol or drugs. Tunnels under city blocks, although built for legitimate reasons, became known as shanghai tunnels for their involvement in these kidnappings and Shanghai, China as the most likely destination. Visitors may tour this piece of Portland history.

A host of enduring attractions beckon in Portland. As the oldest museum in the Northwest, the Portland Art Museum is internationally recognized for its permanent collections, including the arts of the native peoples of North America. The Oregon Historical Society tells the story of Oregon from its earliest people to the present day, as well as displays the weathered penny flipped in 1845 to win the City of Portland its name. Powell's City of Books is virtually that: a visit to a nine-room city celebrating the written word. Pearl's Lawrence Gallery mesmerizes with its works by Picasso, Michelangelo, and Chagall. For more: the Oregon Jewish Museum adds its collection of Jewish art and history; the Oregon Zoo boasts the largest captive breeding herd of elephants in the world; and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry showcases an extensive collection of fossils from the Gobi desert.

Aesthetically pleasing plus safe, Portland's flat terrain and short city blocks make it an ideal place for walkers and cyclists. The city's public art and architecture, abundance of lush green parks, bridges, and fountains invite leisurely strolling and restful contemplation, as well as picnicking fun and sport. For formal gardens, visit Portland's Classical Chinese Garden and teahouse, the tranquil Japanese Garden, or the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park.

All arts, performing and otherwise, thrive. Portland at night offers world class performances of the Oregon Symphony, ballet, Shakespeare, Broadway musicals, modern dance, and more. Eleven farmers markets entice Portlanders and visiting diners to eat locally and healthily. Oregon wines earn raves worldwide. Well-known for its beer, 33 microbreweries now operate within the city limits. For those who wish to pause and relax, brewpubs and coffee shops prevail. Students enjoying Portland attend Portland State University, Oregon State University, and the Lewis & Clark College, to name only a few. Sports enthusiasts cheer hockey's Portland Winter Hawks, baseball's Portland Beavers, soccer's Portland Timbers, and the region's only professional major league team—basketball's Portland Trail Blazers.

An increasingly diverse population enjoys Portland's relaxed and unsurpassed urban lifestyle in its all-around splendid location. Notable about Portland in 2006 are its numerous commendations in several national magazines, including: Best Cycling City in the U.S., Best Place to Live in the U.S., Best Walking Town in America, and Number 10 Best Arts City in America. For participants here only for the short-term, we encourage you to take advantage of Portland's unique style and as many as possible of its diverse attractions.

Updated on September 18, 2008