Explore Polk County
Traveling back roads in Polk County will reveal many attractions: covered bridges and pleasant parks, vineyards, wineries, and bed and breakfast lodgings that spot the surrounding hills. Many roads meander through beautiful, fertile valleys from the Willamette River to the timbered foothills of the Coast Range. One Polk County city, Independence, was the final destination of early wagon trains to Oregon. Other cities located in Polk County include Dallas, Monmouth, Falls City and portions of Salem and Willamina.
Polk County was officially created from Yamhill District of the Oregon Territory on December 22, 1845. On August 13, 1848, President James K. Polk signed a bill approving the boundaries of the Oregon territory, which officially separated the territory from England. Thus came the name Polk County.
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