Willamina

History

Willamina was named after Willamina Creek, which in turn was named for early settler Willamina Williams shortly after she fell off of her horse and into the creek. Williams was born Willamina Craig in 1817 in Ohio. She married James Maley in 1837 and the couple came to Oregon in 1845 with James' daughter. While looking for land to settle, the family came across a tributary of the South Yamhill River and named it for Mrs. Maley. James Maley died in 1847, and Willamina married Enos Williams in 1848. They settled in what is now Amity. Willamina post office was established in 1855 on the James Brown land claim, about a mile east of present-day Willamina. The office moved in 1863 about two miles west to the Jeremiah Lamson land claim. In 1866, the office was moved and renamed to present-day Sheridan. In 1878, a new Willamina post office was established; it operated from December 1880 to March 1891 just over the county line in Polk County. A gristmill and sawmill were established in 1878. The townsite was platted in 1879 and Willamina incorporated in 1903. At that time the city had 200 residents.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and is water. The city lies near the intersection of Oregon Route 18, Oregon Route 18 Business, and Oregon Route 22 next to the South Yamhill River. Willamina is approximately 18 miles southwest of McMinnville. The communities of Shipley and Sheridan are around 2 miles and 5 miles to the northeast, respectively. Valley Junction is located 6 miles to the southwest of Willamina.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Faulconer-Chapman School
  Elementary · Sheridan · 482 students · 18.5:1 ratio
• Willamina Elementary School
  Elementary · Willamina · 379 students · 15.8:1 ratio
• Willamina High School
  High · Willamina · 308 students · 20.5:1 ratio
• Sheridan AllPrep Academy
  Other · Sheridan · 229 students · 19.1:1 ratio
• Sheridan High School
  High · Sheridan · 224 students · 18.7:1 ratio
• Willamina Middle School
  Middle · Willamina · 204 students · 17:1 ratio