A major branch of the Oregon Electric railway, splitting from the main line at Garden Home and running west through Beaverton, Hillsboro and Cornelius to Forest Grove. The line opened to Hillsboro in late October 1908 and then Forest Grove on Christmas Day of the same year.
Extensions to the line were contemplated at various times – west over the Coast Range to Tillamook, or south to Yamhill and Newberg – but these never eventuated. The Southern Pacific’s West Side electric interurban division eventually provided service from Forest Grove south through Yamhill to St. Joseph and McMinnville.
Passenger service was abandoned in July 1932, ten months before service on the main line ended.
| Important Dates: | September 30, 1908 – Opening ceremony for branch to Hillsboro October 29, 1908 – Scheduled passenger service to Hillsboro begins December 25, 1908 – Scheduled passenger service to Forest Grove begins August 10, 1911 – North Bank Depot becomes the Portland terminus June 19, 1931 – Last day of passenger service to North Bank Depot July 23, 1932 – Last day of passenger service on the Forest Grove branch | | --- | --- | | Operating Company: | ‣ | | Gauge: | Standard (4-feet, 8.5-inches) | | Headboard: | The Oregon Electric used train numbers to identify their cars | | Car Barns: | Oregon Electric Portland Shops (Hood Street) |