Vanport Cottonwoods Dedication- May 29

Join us as we induct the Vanport Cottonwoods into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program!

Friday, May 29, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Portland International Raceway
Open to the public

From 1942 to 1948, over 40,000 war industry workers and their families moved to Vanport, which became Oregon's second largest and most racially diverse city. Vanport was wiped out by a flood in May of 1948. A few of the largest cottonwoods trees are some of the only remaining features from the city. While the families of displaced Vanport survivors continue to tell their stories, these cotton woods help anchor this history to this place.

Directions & Parking: The event will take place at the trees, which can be accessed from the parking lot at 1810 Broadacre Rd, near the entrance to PIR.

Dedication Partners: Vanport Placemarking Project & Vanport Mosaic

Many thanks to Nidus Consulting, Outdoor History Consulting, and the Vanport Placemarking Project who utilized aerial photos from the City of Portland's Archives to identify trees that likely survived the Vanport Flood. The event will take place at stand #3.