The Horse Rings In Portland Oregon Date Back To The 1800S

The next time you find yourself wandering around Portland, keep an eye on the sidewalk. You might notice some little iron rings affixed to the concrete, right near the curb. What in the world are they? They’re horse rings, and they have a fascinating history.

As pioneers began pouring into the Oregon Territory in the 1840s, many settled into an area along the Willamette River. First called “Stumptown,” the town quickly grew. By 1900, it was home to 100,000 people.

By Frank A. Woodfield - Library of Congress/Wikimedia

Cars were rare in Portland at the turn of the 20th century; only 218 were registered in 1905. Most people traveled on foot or via streetcar. Businesses used horse-drawn wagons to deliver everything from groceries to coal.

Atlantis Arisen by Frances Fuller Victor Public Domain/Wikimedia

The wagons were efficient, but there was just one problem; unattended horses could spook and bolt onto the sidewalk or into the street, injuring pedestrians. After a few tragedies, in 1907, a new law was passed.

Public Domain/Wikimedia

Horse rings were installed along the sidewalk every 25 feet, and wagon drivers were required to tether their horses to the rings while making their deliveries. The rings worked well for several years, but by 1930, delivery trucks had replaced horses and wagons.

By Another Believer - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia

The city began removing the rings after some people tripped on them and were injured. These little pieces of history were on their way to becoming obscure and forgotten.

Justin Lambert/Photographer’s Choice RF via Getty Images

In 1978, as construction workers prepared to remove historic horse rings from curbs in Ladd’s Addition, a resident called to complain. These were important artifacts of Portland’s history, and he thought they should be preserved.

By piddix - Flickr: Little horse, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia

The Public Works Department agreed, and the rings were saved. Today, they get lots of attention, thanks to the Portland Horse Project, where residents tether miniature horses to the rings and take photos.

David Sasaki/flickr

Of course, Portlandians don’t stick to just horses! You’ll find all kinds of animals tethered to these historic rings. Keep an eye out for lions…

By Christopher - Flickr: That’s not a horse!, CC BY 2.0/Wikimedia

…elephants…

Portland Horse Project/Facebook

…even tiny dinosaurs!

Todd Mecklam/flickr

Have you seen these historic horse rings and the quirky little horses attached to them? Check out the Portland Horse Project’s Facebook page for more fun photos.