People
Marmot Oregon is located along the last stretch of the Oregon Trail, the old plank covered Barlow Road. Between 1883 and 1930 it was a destination for many people that came to experience the great outdoors and to launch their adventures on Mount Hood.
Samuel Welch left Virginia and traveled to Oregon via the old Oregon Trail in 1842. In 1882 he and his son Billy each homesteaded 160 acres apiece
I love Mount Hood, history and photography, and when I can bring all three together in one place I’m happy. Loyal readers of my column may remember the article that I wrote about Jennie Welch and her photography and its importance to the history of Welches and the Mount Hood area. (August 2018 M.T.) Before Jennie Welch took her first photo another Mount Hood icon was bringing cutting edge photography technology that would eventually allow consumers, such as Jennie, an easier method to create their own photos to the Pacific Northwest.
Although not recognized as such, Jennie Welch should be included in the list of early 20th century female photographers. Her photos capture the history and beauty of the Welches. Without her photos many early scenes would be lost with the passing of time.
Steven Mitchell was legend on Mount Hood in his times, as well as his son Arlie, who was the last tollgate keeper at the Rhododendron Tollgate of the old Barlow Trail Road. Lige Coalman, who was raised by Steven, was also a legendary mountain man on Mount Hood in his own right.
