Page:Leaves of Knowledge.djvu/33

 CHAPTER III.

Portland, the Western Hub.

Portland is the great shipping center for the entire State of Oregon and eastern Washington, brought thither on boats from the Columbia and Willamette rivers and by rail over the different railroads having their terminals here. Nature has done much for this principal and largest city in Oregon, built on both sides and having a natural slope to the Willamette river, which is spanned by four bridges, in addition to the boat traffic. The most important business houses are situated on the West side, while across the river on the east are the large flour and saw-mills, besides the extensive warehouses and wharfs from which vessels are loaded for shipment to all parts of the globe.