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All the United States Oregon Corvallis Corvallis Sidewalk Stamps

Corvallis Sidewalk Stamps

Contractors in this Oregon town have been stamping their names in sidewalks since 1908.

Corvallis, Oregon

Added By
Ruben Stemple
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Undated Sidewalk Stamp   R Stemple / Atlas Obscura User
Undated Sidewalk Stamp   R Stemple / Atlas Obscura User
Sidewalk Stamp 1928   R Stemple / Atlas Obscura User
Sidewalk stamp 1919   Anna Minster / Atlas Obscura User
Sidewalk Stamp 1925   R Stemple / Atlas Obscura User
Sidewalk Stamp 1909   R Stemple / Atlas Obscura User
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About

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, concrete became a popular replacement for brick and wood for roads and sidewalks, and towns and cities across the U.S. began pouring new infrastructure. It was customary for the contractors building these sidewalks to proudly sign and date their work in the concrete (in fact, it's even technically required by law in Chicago). Hundreds of these sidewalk stamps are still in place today. 

The area that is now Corvallis, Oregon was first settled in 1845 and officially became incorporated in 1857.  Strategically located near the Willamette River, the town grew as a stopping point for miners headed for the California Gold Rush. In the early 1900s, as the town expanded from its initial settlement in what is now Avery Park, roads and concrete sidewalks were added and proudly stamped.

In various areas around town, stamps can be found with dates ranging from 1908 through 1938, advertising the names of many different contractors. Usually in block letters and often including the year, these stamps provide a historic map of expansion into the outer areas of Corvallis. 

Though sidewalk stamping is not a phenomenon unique to Corvallis, the town takes pride in this visible yet easy-to-miss aspect of its history. Tours of Corvallis often highlight these stamps, and a local website has not only categorized them but also provides an easy to use map of these and other historic markers in town.

Related Tags

History Names Construction Infrastructure Concrete

Know Before You Go

The stamps are in various places around town. Park and walk around while looking down (carefully) and you are sure to spot one or more. Harrison Boulevard seems to have a high concentration of stamps.

Community Contributors

Added By

R Stemple

Edited By

Anna Minster

  • Anna Minster

Published

September 27, 2017

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Sources
  • http://sidewalk.armoredpenguin.com/
  • http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/corvallis-historic-walking-tour-maps-now-include-sidewalk-stamps/article_f677deea-4fd4-11e3-aca3-0019bb2963f4.html
  • http://www.villageprofile.com/oregon/corvallis/01/topic.html
  • http://forgottenchicago.com/articles/sidewalk-stamps/
  • http://www.corvallisoregon.gov
Corvallis Sidewalk Stamps
Northwest Harrison Boulevard
Corvallis, Oregon
United States
44.571761, -123.284712
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

Hull Picnic Table

Corvallis, Oregon

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Corvallis

Corvallis

Oregon

Places 2

Nearby Places

Hull Picnic Table

Corvallis, Oregon

miles away

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Photo of Corvallis

Corvallis

Oregon

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