History Pub: Simon Benson, Lumber King and Civic Leader- Presented by Sig Unander

McMenamins Edgefield 
Blackberry Hall
Monday January 13 2025 
Program 7pm, Doors 6pm- All ages welcome.

Simon Benson’s legacy is a cross-section of Oregon’s development. Born in 1851, Benson was a Norwegian immigrant who became a lumber magnate who used his wealth and influence to give back to his adopted state and country. The Benson Bridge, Benson Hotel, Benson Polytechnic High School, the Simon Benson House and the Benson bubblers are familiar landmarks for Portlanders. Learn more about the historic figure behind the name and how his contributions have shaped our region. Historian Sig Unander goes into detail about Benson’s role in building the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway, the World Forestry Center, and more.