Willamette Iron and Steel Yard
The Willamette Iron and Steel Yard was located in Portland, Oregon at the foot of 17th Street. When originally founded in 1865, it was known as Willamette Iron Works. Around 1889, the spelling of the company's name was changed to Willamet Iron Works. Around 1900 the name finally became Willamette Iron and Steel.
The yard was very busy during both World Wars I and II, building minesweepers, submarine chasers, small auxiliary craft, and patrol craft. Between the wars, the shipyard concentrated on building small commercial vessels.
Willamette Iron and Steel did not restrict itself to shipbuilding. During the 1920s, the company also built 33 geared steam locomotives for use in logging operations in Washington and Oregon. These locomotives were of a unique design and are of great interest to old train buffs. In the early 1970s, the company manufactured the first three turbine units for the third powerhouse to be built at Grand Coulee Dam. The company also made fire hydrants for the city of Portland in the late 19th century.
In 1945, after World War II ended, Willamette Iron and Steel continued as mostly a ship repair facility. Over the years, business dropped as larger shipyards grew, and Willamette finally closed in 1990.
Shipyard workers in the early part of the 20th century (when Willamette Iron and Steel was doing the bulk of its business) were especially vulnerable to illnesses like mesothelioma from breathing asbestos fibers released during repairs and renovations. Asbestos was commonly used in a number of places on older ships, including pipes, insulation, boilers, and floor and ceiling tiles. Until the 1970s, workers were generally unaware of how dangerous to their health asbestos could be.
Last modified: December 12 2007.
