The Benjamin Cornelius Jr. House is a historic residence in Forest Grove, Oregon, built around 1873. It was constructed by carpenter Harley McDonald, who was one of the first settlers to offer architectural services in Oregon. Today, it remains one of only two houses designed by McDonald still standing in Forest Grove. The home features a distinctive Italianate form with Gothic details and a veranda added around 1900 that exhibits Colonial styling.
The first occupants were Benjamin and Rachel Cornelius, who crossed the Oregon Trail via the Meek Cutoff in 1845. The Cornelius family was instrumental in founding Hillsboro and the town of Cornelius. During their time in the area, Benjamin was prominently involved in early real estate transactions. It was while the couple was living in this house that Benjamin was murdered in 1881.
Today, the house is a preserved piece of the Clark Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. Located on 19th Avenue, the property continues to stand as a significant example of the region's architectural and social history.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Kyle McLonely
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