Florence, Oregon

Welcome to Florence, Oregon. Florence was named after a French sailing vessel that went aground near the mouth of the Siuslaw River, according to legend. The plank washed ashore and was hung above the Safley Hotel which then became the Florence Hotel and became the town's chosen name when the post office was established. Hudson Bay Traders, arrived in 1826, They were  first white people, and after many years of trading and fishing, Duncan & Company established the first cannery in 1876.  By 1883, the town had a population of 200 with two stores, a hotel and a salmon cannery.

Siuslaw Indians originally inhabited Florence. Europeans first arriving in this region when Spanish galleons sailed off the coast, charting the territory. Years later, English seaman Captain Cook, on his northwest voyage explored the Oregon coastline, giving names to many present landmarks, such as Cape Perpetua, named for the Holy Day on which it was first seen.    Walk along the docks at the Old Town Fishing Docks and buy fresh fish in season. You can visit the Fly Fishing Museum which contains a collection of thousands of hand-tied flies. They date back to the 1800's and have been collected from over 20 countries. Also, a private fishing collection which includes beautiful paintings and carvings.

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