The Independence-Monmouth Railroad historic train mural was painted by mural artist Eileen Hinckle and initiated by the Monmouth Historic Commission. The mural portrays the former railroad that once traveled down Jackson Street and connected the communities of Monmouth and Independence.
The Independence-Monmouth Railroad
The Independence-Monmouth Railroad was one of the shortest independent lines in the world. The two and one-half mile run made one stop at the small community of Talmadge, midway between the two cities.
The written description embedded within the mural states, “With this mural, we celebrate the I&M Railroad and our community’s diverse history. We recognize these lands as the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya and we acknowledge the significant contributions that Chinese and Mexican migrant workers made in building the railroad system throughout Oregon and the western United States. We honor their sacrifice and contribution which has often been overlooked.”
The mural also recognizes members of the Kalapuya tribe utilizing another important traditional form of travel via Oregon’s river systems.
The mural was funded by a grant from the Polk County Cultural Coalition and the Monmouth Urban Renewal District and a community ribbon cutting ceremony held in October 2022.
Geocaching Railroad and Trolley History of NW Oregon
A geocache was recently placed near the sight of the Independence & Monmouth Railroad, Disappearing RR Blues: Monmouth-Independence RR and one can seek out abandoned NW Oregon railroad, and trolley right-of-ways or structures by following the Disappearing RR Blues series of caches.
Oregon Murals tell Stories of Life Now and Then
More than just art on walls. Ever since the first cave paintings of handprints and hunts, the art on our walls has been a window into our lives, our communities and ourselves. Throughout history, murals have served as a means of storytelling, cultural expression, and community engagement, leaving a lasting imprint on the landscapes of civilizations past and present. Today murals continue to be an important art form, with artists around the world using them to beautify urban spaces and celebrate cultural heritage.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
