Facts About Keizer
-
The original settlement was at Keizer Bottom, near the banks of the Willamette River. The community was named after Thomas Dove Keizur, one of its first settlers.
-
The John Pugh house is the oldest house in the city, which was built in 1875.
-
The city of Keizer became the 12th largest city in Oregon with a population of 19,650 in 1982.
-
The city has a total area of 7.21 square miles, of which 7.09 square miles is land and 0.12 square miles is water.
-
Keizer was named after Thomas Dove Keizer. The first settlers arrived in the area in the 1840s.
-
The annual Iris Festival takes place in May and showcases Keizer’s iris-growing industry. The festival was founded by Schreiner’s Iris Gardens, one of the country’s largest retail iris growers, and has been facilitated by the Keizer Chamber of Commerce since 1987.
-
Thomas Dove Keizur passed away in 1871 at the age of 78. His legacy of pride, spirit and volunteerism lives on today in the community that bears his name and is the official motto of the City of Keizer.
-
Keizer is home to the following notable people: Austin Bibens-Dirkx, an MLB Pitcher; Daniel R. Hokanson, a lieutenant general in the U.S. Army; Charles L. McNary, U.S. Senator.
-
The elevation of Keizer is 40 m above sea level.
-
Keizer Bottom is the site of Keizer Rapids Park, a public park whose attractions include a dog park, playground, boat-in camping, nature trails, a disc golf course, and sports courts.
