About Us

About Us: Lane County Oregon in the Railroad Era

Our Journey Begins: 2012

Welcome to Lane County Oregon in the Railroad Era, a digital haven dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of our beloved community. Founded in 2012, our website is a labor of love by a group of passionate historians and storytellers who sought to bridge the gap in online resources about this unique era.

A Historical Niche Unfilled

The internet, while an incredible repository of knowledge, lacked a comprehensive and dedicated platform for exploring Lane County Oregon during its railroad heyday. We recognized a need for an accessible space that would bring this period to life, engaging both locals interested in their heritage and outsiders curious about our region’s past.

Our Mission: Unveiling the Past

At its core, our mission is simple yet powerful: to unveil and share the untold stories of Lane County during the railroad era (approximately 1850-1920). We strive to be the authoritative online source, offering unbiased and accurate information that sheds light on this pivotal time in our community’s history.

Core Values and Commitments

  • Unbiased Reporting: We commit to presenting a balanced view of history, free from personal biases. Our articles and features are meticulously researched to ensure factual accuracy.
  • Accuracy: Every piece of content is treated with the utmost care to maintain historical integrity. We cross-reference sources and welcome expert input to guarantee precision.
  • Community Engagement: We believe in the power of storytelling and invite readers to become a part of our community. Through comments, suggestions, and feedback, we foster an interactive environment where history comes alive.

Filling the Information Gap

Through our research, we’ve identified several gaps in available resources:

  • Lack of Digital Archives: Many historical documents remain confined to local libraries and museums, making them less accessible. We bridge this gap by digitizing and sharing these treasures.
  • Insufficient Local Focus: National history websites often overlook regional nuances. Lane County Oregon in the Railroad Era fills this void by providing a lens through which visitors can explore our specific heritage.
  • Interactivity: Traditional print media cannot engage modern readers like online platforms can. We aim to change that by encouraging reader interaction and contributions.

Our Target Audience

Our primary audience comprises:

  • Local residents eager to delve into their community’s history.
  • Students and researchers seeking primary sources and unique perspectives for their studies.
  • Railroading enthusiasts fascinated by the engineering marvels and cultural shifts of the era.
  • Tourists exploring Oregon who want to understand the region’s rich past.

Serving Our Readers

We serve our audience by:

  • Publishing Engaging Content: From in-depth articles on local railway figures to interactive maps, we offer a diverse range of content types.
  • Curating Historical Resources: We compile and link to relevant books, documents, and archives, providing a one-stop shop for researchers.
  • Facilitating Community Interaction: Readers can leave comments, share their own stories, and engage in discussions on our blog posts.

Meet Our Team (AI-Generated Members)

  1. Dr. Amelia Railsback – Historical Researcher & Content Lead

    • With a Ph.D. in Local History, Amelia is our resident expert, guiding content creation and ensuring accuracy.

  2. Charles ‘Tech’ Thompson – Web Developer & IT Manager

    • Charles builds and maintains the website infrastructure, ensuring a seamless user experience.

  3. Isabella ‘Izzy’ Blackwood – Community Engagement Officer

    • Izzy fosters connections between readers and our team, moderating comments and organizing events.

  4. Samuel ‘Sam’ Cross – Graphic Designer & Visual Storyteller

    • Sam brings history to life through stunning visuals, creating maps, illustrations, and infographics.

  5. Sophia ‘Sophie’ Silver – Copywriter & Content Creator

    • Sophie crafts compelling copy that captivates readers, ensuring our content is engaging and accessible.

Our Business Model

Lane County Oregon in the Railroad Era operates as a non-profit online publication. We fund our operations through:

  • Donations: Generous supporters contribute to keep our lights on and our servers running.
  • Sponsorships: Local businesses partner with us to promote their products/services while supporting our mission.
  • Affiliate Marketing: We earn a small commission from selected affiliate links, ensuring transparency in our recommendations.

Get Involved!

We welcome your interest and participation! If you have questions, want to contribute content, or simply share your love for local history, please reach out to our team via our Contact Us page. Let’s build a vibrant community together, one story at a time!