Simon Benson Immigrant, Lumberman, Philanthropist ; a Biography

Simon Benson came to the USA from Norway as a teen in 1867. By the time he was 40 he had achieved great success in logging by boldly adapting the technology of his time. In his 50s, he invented new technology: gigantic log rafts to take his lumber to the hungry markets of Southern California. After retiring from logging and lumber, he embarked on new endeavors. He went into an entirely new business, building Portland's outstanding Benson Hotel. He also became Oregon's leading philanthropist. He donated the iconic Benson bubbler water fountains. He paid for the construction of Benson Polytechnic High School. Most significantly, he helped spearhead the building of the spectacular Columbia River Scenic Highway through the Columbia Gorge. As part of this endeavor, he donated the magnificent Multnomah Falls as a park for the people of Portland. Many sites around Portland still bear his name, but Simon Benson himself has largely been forgotten. Now here is an opportunity to learn about this interesting, inspiring figure in Oregon history!