Dayton was settled in the winter of 1848-49 by Joel Palmer and Andrew Smith and was named for Dayton, Ohio, the former home of Smith. Dayton post office was established on June 5, 1851, with Christopher Taylor postmaster. Edward L. Bill became postmaster on May 25, 1852. Joel Palmer on August 2, 1852 and Cyrus Jacobs on August 16, 1853. The principal landmark at Dayton is the Grand Ronde blockhouse in the northwest comer of the City Park. This structure was built by Willamette Valley settlers on Fort Hill in the Grand Ronde Valley in 1855 and 1856. In 1856, federal troops established Fort Yamhill adjacent to Fort Hill. Among the famous officers stationed at this military establishment were P. H. Sheridan, AJ. Smith, D. A. Russell, and W. B. Hazen.

Fort Yamhill was abandoned as a military post in the 1860s, and the blockhouse was moved to Grand Ronde Agency. Mter Grand Ronde Agency was abandoned by the government, the blockhouse fell into disrepair. John G. Lewis, a patriotic citizen of Dayton, fearing that the building would disappear, secured permission from authorities to move the logs to Dayton, which was done in 1911. The structure was rebuilt and dedicated to Joel Palmer, a founder of Dayton and donor of the city park. General Palmer was one of Oregon's outstanding pioneer citizens and was superintendent of Indian affairs, 1853-57.

SPOTLIGHT

Aviation Museum, Aquatic Center, Turkey Rama, outlet mall, historical district, Bald Peak State Park, Maude Williams State Park, Siuslaw National Forest, Champoeg State Park, Willamette Mission State Park, South Yamhill River.