Roseburg Govenment Listings

City Listings - Drain, Oregon

Welcome to the historic timber community of Drain. We are located 8 miles west of Interstate 5, halfway between Roseburg and Eugene. Population: 1050.

The original townsite of Drain was settled in 1847 by Warren Goodell who sold the site to Jessee Applegate (of the Oregon Trail). Charles C. Drain later purchased the land and 60 acres to the O & C Railroad for a townsite. Drain was incorporated in 1888. John Drain, the son of Charles, was the first mayor.

The Drain "Castle" was built by Charles and Anna Drain in 1895. This Victorian style house is design # 37 by architect George Barber of Tennessee. The cost estimate to build in the 1890's was $2,600. This house is now the school district office. A citizens committee has raised $75,000 during the past year to restore the "Castle".

Drain is one of the only communities left in the country that has a covered bridge within the city limits. The Pass Creek Bridge was constructed in the 1870's as part of the overland stage route from Roseburg to Scottsburg. The structure is a 61' Howe Truss and is basically unchanged from it's original appearance. The bridge was closed to traffic in 1981 and moved to the current location behind the Drain Civic Center.

The Chamber of Commerce sponsors one of the largest July 4th fireworks display in Oregon. Several Antique Fairs are held during the year.

Drain Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 885, Drain, OR 97435. e-mail: drrmk@pe.net