Relief columns grace the formal entrance of this solemn site located at the south end of the Japanese Memorial at Waterfront Park. Haiku-engraved broken stones and 100 cherry trees line the walk. The plaza recalls the 110,000 Japanese-Americans who were put in internment camps during World War II, and the broken stones represent the broken dreams of these people. Although the stroll or bike ride is a sobering journey, the year-round beauty of the memorial is a testament that we may still learn from our mistakes.
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Located in Downtown Portland, this neoclassical structure works as a courthouse for Oregon's Multnomah County. It was constructed between 1909 and 1914. In the early 20th Century, this was one of the largest courthouses in the West Coast region. The courthouse had a courtyard at the time of its establishment, which ceased to exist due to expansion policies. The structure is home to 39 courtrooms, four of which still retain the original design.
This former protective home for abandoned children is now a walk through history. Dating back to 1907, the building, old photographs and other items are all straight out of another time. There is a lot to see inside and out, including the Kerr Nursery, listed as a National Historic Place. Have lunch in the restaurant between 11:30a and 1p and contribute to a good cause, as the proceeds go to the agency, which still provides assistance for children in the community. There is no charge for admission.
The Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge also connects Portland and Vancouver over the Columbia River. The enormous concrete bridge measures 11,750 feet and carries four lanes of traffic on Interstate 205. Constructed in 1982, this bridge and was named for the man who headed up the building of Interstate freeways in Oregon. The bridge traverses Government Island below.
Portlandia
Interstate Bridge connects Portland to its Northern counterpart, Vancouver, Washington. The east bridge was completed first, in 1917. The second bridge wasn't built until 1958. Since completion of the western bridge, it became the route for southbound I-5 traffic, while the eastern bridge provided access for northbound folks. The more than 3,500-foot bridges are relatively low, providing a feeling of gliding over the water below.
