Pittock Mansion
Historic estate of Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock, who played an important role in the growth of Portland, Oregon
Site Details
Pin location is approximate.
3229 NW Pittock Dr
Portland, OR 97210
Family Friendly?
Yes
Visitors Per Year
80,000
The Pittock Mansion fell into disrepair and was almost demolished after sustaining substantial damage in the Columbus Day storm of 1962, but community efforts led the City of Portland to purchase and restore the property. It has been refurnished with period furniture and is an excellent example of an eclectic early 20th-century mansion.
- Purchase of a general admission ticket allows visitors to take a self-guided tour of this remarkable 46-room mansion built in an eclectic mix of French Renaissance, Jacobean, Craftsman, Turkish, and Victorian styles. The general admission ticket provides access to the 23 most interesting rooms.
- Purchase of a “Behind the Scenes” ticket allows visitors to take a guided tour of the mansion that includes rooms usually closed to the public. These include the original electric grid, the boiler, the elevator closet, and the servants’ quarters.
- Purchase of an “Architecture Tour” ticket allows visitors to take a guided tour of the mansion led by a guide who explains the various architectural features of this amazing house.
- Guides and informative signs provide a good overview of the lives of Henry and Georgiana. Henry was the publisher of the state’s major paper, an investor, and a force in Oregon politics. Georgiana helped found the Portland Rose Festival, now a month-long festival held each June.
Though the tours and exhibits are not extensive, the information provided is accurate.
There is no apparent ideological bias at the site.
The mansion includes excellent views of Portland, Oregon, and is connected to fine hiking trails that go through the hills overlooking the city.
Henry Pittock was born in London, raised from age four in Pennsylvania, and emigrated west over the Oregon Trail in 1853. He arrived in Portland, Oregon, penniless, but became publisher of The Oregonian and was a successful investor. His life represents a classic rags–to–riches story. He built Pittock Mansion in the hills overlooking Portland in 1914. It is a remarkable building with excellent views of the city.
Visitors to the mansion should also go to Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon, one of the greatest bookstores in the country (powells.com).
Owned By: City of Portland Parks and Recreation
Operated By: Pittock Mansion Society
Government Funded: Yes
Did you know?
Henry Pittock started working at the Oregonian as a typesetter in 1853 and was given the paper in exchange for back wages in 1860.
Recommended Reading
- Pittock: The Voice of Portland by Alexander Fontana
- I Kept at Work: Portland’s Henry Pittock by K. Stewart
Reviewed By
Mark David Hall
Professor in the Robertson School of Government at Regent University
The opinions expressed above are those of the Reviewer who is providing a good-faith historical assessment to educate the public. Reasonable opinions can vary, and the Reviewer’s opinion is not necessarily the opinion of The Heritage Foundation or its affiliates.