Approx. Date 

Events 

pre-1850

Area inhabited by the Coquille (Ko-quell Indian Tribe)

1851

Gold discovered at nearby Whiskey Run Beach by  French Trappers.

1852

Henry Baldwin, from Cork County, Ireland, was shipwrecked on the Coos Bay Bar and walked into this area.

1853

First settlers established present town site.

1856

Native resistance to white settlement is defeated and Indians go to Siletz Reservation.

1859

“Twin Sisters” sailed into Coquille River and thus opened for all inland produce and resources.

1873

George Bennett with sons Joseph and George A.,  and Mr. Sealy, come from Bandon, Ireland.

1874

Town’s first name of Averill is changed to Bandon.

1876

Joseph Williams and 3 sons arrived from Bandon, Ireland the election has 15 voters.

1877

Post Office is established.

1880

Cheese-making began and Congress appropriated   money for the jetty.

1883

First sawmill, schoolhouse, and Catholic Church.

1884

Army Corps of Engineers begin jetty construction.

1886

School District #54 established.

1888

First ocean-going schooner to be built in Bandon is completed.

1890

Census shows a population of 219.

1891

City of Bandon is incorporated February 18, 1891.

1893

Woolen Mill established.

1896

Bandon Lighthouse built.

1897-98

Jetty constructed on Coquille River.

1900

Census shows a population of 645.

1910

Population reaches 1,803 as town becomes a primary tourist attraction on the Oregon coast.

1912

Bandon has developed as a principle port  between San Francisco and Portland...300 vessels visit during the year.

1914

Fire destroys the waterfront business district.

1921

Bandon Electric Company was established.

Early

1930's

First cranberry cooperative formed by local growers.

1936

The Great Fire of 1936.

1936-46

Town begins to rebuild, areas west of the highway and the downtown area were rebuilt.

1947

First Bandon Cranberry Festival.

1950's

City’s steady growth continues.

1962

Bandon airport dedicated.

1970's

Business District moves to south of town along  the highway.

Approx.

1970

Wastewater Treatment Plant was built.

1970

Current Bandon City Hall was dedicated.

1974

Bandon High School burns

1980’s

Old Town area is re-developed, new boat basin and shopping in East Bandon constructed

Approx. 1980

Current Water Plant was established.

1981

The current Bandon City Charter was adopted.

1989

Population is now 2535.

Early 1990’s 

Forest products industry still continues. Cranberries, fishing, cheese-making and tourism are major industries. 

1991

City Centennial Celebration 

1993

Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade dedication.

1996

Centennial celebration of the Lighthouse held.

2000

Population is now 2,833.