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.
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.
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.
Order Oregon Association of Independent Inns Gift Certificates Now. They are available in $50 increments and can be redeemed at any one of our member inns. With more than 20 member inns to choose from and an 18-month expiration period, recipients have ample time to redeem their stay at the inn that best suits their travel style.
Three Ways to Order Gift Certificates:
Order online. Don’t include your credit card information on that form. We will call you for payment information
E-mail info@obbg.org or call OBBG at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers. We’ll get back to you for the details: who will be the recipient of your thoughtful gift, acquire your payment method and shipping information. We’ll send them by mail, to either you or the recipient, with delivery confirmation. The recipient will have a great time getting away to a high-quality destination of their choice.
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.
