126 SW 2nd Ave.
The United Carriage and Baggage Transfer Building was built during a time when the city relied on horses and wagons to move people and goods. The building was originally used by the United Carriage and Baggage Transfer Company, which helped transport luggage, packages, and travelers around Portland before the age of cars. Because of this, the building had large ground-floor openings so that horse-drawn carriages could easily enter and unload.
The first floor was used for carriage storage and loading. The second floor held horse stalls and the third floor provided extra storage, work space and sleeping quarters for carriage operators. On the roof were four massive tanks that provided water to wash the stalls. The building was essentially a parking garage for horses and carriages. We call it the “Horse Hotel”.
Over the years, as transportation changed, the building was used by other companies, including businesses that sold wagons, machinery, and logging equipment.
Today, the building has been completely renovated and adapted to modern uses. It has been restored and now houses the Pine Street Market, a popular food hall. Even with these modern changes, the building still keeps much of its original style, showing how historic structures can be reused in new and creative ways. The United Carriage and Baggage Transfer Building is an important reminder of Portland’s early transportation history and how the city has grown and changed over time.
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Discussion Questions:
Would this be a good place for farmers visiting the New Market Theater to stable their horses?
Vocabulary: water tank, renovate, adapt
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State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.12. Compare and contrast the history of the local community to other communities in the region. Historical Knowledge
Social Studies 3.13. Apply research skills and technologies to gather information about the past in a region. Historical Thinking
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources (artifacts, pictures, documents) to identify factual evidence. Historical Thinking