Harlow House Museum
Visit the Historic Harlow House Museum
726 E. Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, Oregon
Hours
Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Closed: Monday – Wednesday
Step inside one of Troutdale's oldest and most cherished landmarks. Built in 1900, the Harlow House was constructed for Fred E. Harlow, son of Troutdale founder Captain John Harlow, by local builder Harry Bramhall, one of the area's respected craftsmen of the era. More than a century later, the home has been carefully restored to reflect the character and charm of family life at the turn of the twentieth century. As you explore its beautifully furnished rooms, you'll discover authentic period décor, original Harlow family furnishings, and hundreds of historic artifacts that tell the story of the people who helped shape Troutdale's early years. Each room offers a unique glimpse into everyday life, from the welcoming parlor and family dining room to the upstairs bedrooms, allowing visitors to experience history in an intimate and personal way. Whether you're a lifelong history enthusiast or simply curious about Troutdale's past, the Harlow House Museum offers a welcoming and immersive journey into the lives, traditions, and stories that helped build the community we know today.
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Captain John Harlow began his career as a sea captain from Maine before relocating to Oregon, where he became one of the region's most successful businessmen and entrepreneurs. In Portland, he founded the Portland Box Factory, established the renowned Harlow Hotel, and owned and operated three river vessels that carried passengers and freight along the Sandy and Columbia Rivers, helping support commerce throughout the area. Seeking a quieter life, Harlow purchased a large tract of land along the Sandy River and developed a productive country farm. He named the property Troutdale after the trout ponds he created near the cliffs overlooking the Columbia River. When the railroad reached the Columbia River Gorge in 1882, Harlow successfully persuaded the Oregon Railway & Navigation Company to build a depot on his property. The depot adopted the name Troutdale, and a thriving community soon grew around it. Through his vision, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit, Captain John Harlow helped establish the community and laid the foundation for the city that continues to bear his farm's name today.
The Harlow House remained in the Harlow family for more than four decades, serving as the home of several generations who helped shape Troutdale's early history. Fred E. Harlow and his family lived here until about 1915, when the home became the residence of his brother, Louis "Lou" Harlow, and Lou's wife, Laura Bullock Harlow. Both Lou and Laura later served as Mayor of Troutdale, making them one of Oregon's few husband-and-wife pairs to each hold the office. Their leadership helped guide the growing community during the early twentieth century. In the 1940s, Lee and Mabel Evans became the home's final private residents. Following Mabel's passing, the Troutdale Historical Society purchased the property to preserve this important piece of local history. After a careful restoration, the Harlow House opened as a museum in 1979, where it continues to welcome visitors and share Troutdale's story through authentic furnishings, family heirlooms, and local artifacts.
Perched on a gentle knoll overlooking the surrounding landscape, the Harlow House escaped the devastating 1948 Columbia River Flood that inundated much of Troutdale and the surrounding region. Today, the home preserves an extraordinary collection of local history within its walls. Visitors will discover original Harlow family furnishings, period décor, photographs, clothing, household items, documents, and treasured heirlooms generously donated by generations of local families. Every artifact helps tell the story of the people who lived, worked, and helped build the Troutdale community. Together, these collections transform the Harlow House from a beautifully preserved historic residence into a living museum, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into everyday life and the rich heritage of Troutdale's past.
Today, the Harlow House Museum is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its importance to both Troutdale and Oregon's rich heritage. Nestled within the beautifully landscaped grounds of Harlow House Park, the museum remains one of Troutdale's most recognizable landmarks and a favorite destination for visitors of all ages. A visit to the Harlow House offers more than a tour of a historic home—it provides an opportunity to step back in time and experience the lives of the families who helped build the community. Whether you're exploring the Historic Columbia River Highway, researching local history, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Harlow House Museum offers an authentic journey into Troutdale's past. We invite you to explore, ask questions, and discover history where it happened.
