A branch line from the Oregon City line out to the Chautauqua Park in Gladstone. Richard Thompson dated this as existing from 1893 to 1901, but it’s now apparent that there were two iterations of this branch line, one existing from 1893 to 1901 and a second one from 1907 to 1926, the second-last year that the Chautauqua Assembly was held at Gladstone Park.

This first version of the branch at first only ran from Oregon City to the park, but by 1895, a wye was placed at the junction at Gladstone to allow cars from Portland to travel to the park direct. Cars ran to the park for the Chautauqua Assemblies held each year, and for other events like the 4th of July or Sunday concerts.

This branch line was closed in 1901 because of a dispute between the Gladstone Real Estate Company and the Portland City & Oregon Railway company, which had just succeeded the East Side Railway in ownership of the line. A deal could not be reached and the track was ripped up to be used for a logging railroad along the Columbia River.

See also: Gladstone Park Branch (1907–1926)

Years of Operation: July 17, 1893–late February/early March 1901 (line ripped up July 25, 1901)
Operating Company:
Owned by: Gladstone Real Estate Company
Gauge: Standard (4-feet, 8.5-inches)
Headboard: Unknown, probably “Gladstone Park” or “Chautauqua”
Car Barn: ‣ and a small shelter/barn at Gladstone Park

Untitled