Given Aurora, Oregon’s lengthy history, there are some interesting facts about this unique town you may not know. Here are seven interesting ‘info nuggets’ about Aurora, Oregon.

Fact #1. Aurora is older than the state of Oregon!
The Aurora Colony was founded in 1856, roughly 3 years before Oregon’s founding in 1859. 

Fact #2. Aurora Has A ‘Secret’ Cemetery
One of Aurora, Oregon’s best-kept secrets is among its most historic.  There are numerous cemeteries in Aurora, nearby Butteville and Champoeg. Yet the one with the biggest connection to Aurora is tiny Keil Cemetery, situated off a graveled, little-used lane called Cole Road near Aurora’s west side. Founder Wilhelm Keil is buried here, as are his family members.  Especially noteworthy is the burial site of Dr. Keil’s daughter Aurora, the town’s namesake. The cemetery is less known because access requires crossing private property. 

Fact #3. Aurora Has A Long Culinary History
Aurora has good modern day restaurants, plus an exceptional history of fine dining. Ben Holladay, president of the Oregon & California Railroad, worked out an arrangement with Aurora’s founder, Dr. Wilhelm Keil to feed train passengers at Aurora with the settlement’s renowned cuisine. The food was so good in Aurora that travelers and train workers would bypass eating at other railroad stops, making a point to dine in Aurora.

Fact #4. Aurora, Oregon Is An Aviation Powerhouse
The Aurora State Airport is Oregon’s third busiest. Yet given its relatively small size, some might call the Aurora Airport a ‘mighty midget.’ Originally constructed during WWII as a military support airbase to Portland, the Aurora Airport is now a vital economic hub with vibrant businesses, including two helicopter heavyweights, Columbia Helicopters and Helicopter Transport Services.

Fact #5. Aurora, Oregon’s Unique Geography
Aurora is a town, but also encompasses a far larger country setting, too. Greater Aurora is located virtually equidistant between the major metro areas of Portland & Salem. Aurora’s 97002 zip code also straddles of both Clackamas & Marion Counties. So depending on your specific location, this means two completely different school systems (Canby & North Marion) and property tax systems (Marion & Clackamas Counties).

Fact #6. Aurora Colony Days
Aurora’s Colony Days is a multiple day celebration of Aurora pageantry held every August. Features include a parade, marketplace, concerts, beer garden and even a 5k run/walk. It’s a family-friendly environment with something for everyone.

Fact #7. Yes, There Are Antiques, Too
Among Aurora’s commonly known, modern-day ‘claims-to-fame’ is its antique heritage. In fact, to many, antiques have long been Aurora’s main attraction. Given its small town charm and pedestrian friendly design, weekends are especially popular for many to visit downtown Aurora, Oregon.

Are you interested in buying or selling an Aurora, Oregon home? Call or text your Aurora real estate specialist, Realtor Roy Widing with Certified Realty for a free consultation at 971-258-4822.