About Us:

Douglas County’s second-largest city got its start from a letter written by Fendal Sutherlin, a Portlander on his way home from trying his luck in the California gold rush.

John Sutherlin of Indiana decided to come West after reading his son’s account of the fields and fertile soil around what was then called Camas Swale. The elder Sutherlin packed up his goods, savings and extended family and filed a land donation claim here in 1851. He planted wheat, pastured cattle and horses and later built the town’s first sawmill.  

The settlement of 455 people incorporated in 1911. Today, Sutherlin’s population has grown to about 8,000.

Douglas County erects signs honoring veterans, and Sutherlin demonstrates its allegiance with a massive U.S. flag posted just off Interstate 5.  

It’s a fitting symbol for a town steeped in classic Americana. In summer, celebrants gather for the annual Blackberry Festival and Sutherlin Stampede. Kayakers, boaters and other outdoors enthusiasts head for Cooper Creek Reservoir in all kinds of weather. Central Park, anchored by its historic locomotive, is a year-round town hub of activity. Shoppers take advantage of locally made products at the Sutherlin Farmers’ Market on Friday mornings from late April through October.  And the Timber Town Toy Land Electric Light Parade brings sparkle to the holiday season each December.   

Travelers and residents alike migrate to the 18-hole Umpqua Golf Course for tournaments and fundraisers. The two-story Sutherlin Bank Building, a testament to the city’s heritage, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Murphy Co.’s laminated veneer lumber plant opened in 2008, replacing a plywood plant that was consumed by fire in July 2005. Orenco Systems, which designs and sells wastewater treatment products, is headquartered in Sutherlin.