Eugene’s History and Why We’re Proud to Serve the Eugene Community
The fertile southern Willamette Valley has been home to the Kalapuyan peoples for millennia. The Chifin Kalapuyans moved seasonally to harvest acorns, camas, wapato and berries, returning to winter villages where they hunted and traded. Archaeological evidence suggests their ancestors have been in the area for up to 10,000 years. Devastating epidemics in the early 1800s reduced their population by over 90%.
French fur traders and Métis families occupied the valley in the 1820s, followed by Anglo‑American settlers. Eugene Skinner arrived in 1846, built a cabin on what the Kalapuyans called Ya‑po‑ah (Skinner’s Butte), and operated a trading post and ferry. Settlers referred to the site as Skinner’s Mudhole; it was formally named Eugene City in 1853 and incorporated in 1862.
The establishment of Columbia College (1850s) and later the University of Oregon (1876) anchored the town’s identity as an educational center. Throughout the 20th century Eugene grew steadily, with the timber industry, Nike’s 1972 Olympic shoes and later high‑tech companies earning it the nickname “Silicon Shire.”
Today Eugene has roughly 176,000 residents and a median household income around $63,836. It boasts tree‑lined streets, bike paths and a vibrant arts scene. Fast Plumbing & Drain is honored to serve Eugene’s homes, from historic neighborhoods near the university to the modern developments along the Willamette.