adjacent Oregon, were published in the State's three newspapers; the route from Portland to Salem progressed "to a point opposite Butteville, thence across the Willamette River to Champoeg, to Fairfield, to Salem."
Some idea of the importance of the town is to be gained from the Fourth of July celebration held there in 1853. As reported in the Statesman for July 12: "The 4th was celebrated at Butteville, in this county, in good style. Dr. White was president of the day. David Crawford, Marshall, Rev. Mr. Fackler, Chaplain J. D. Moore read the Declaration, and Hon. G. L. Curry delivered an address, after which the assemblage partook of a sumptuous repast. There were about 300 persons in attendance. The "shooting" on the occasion is said to have been loud, and the toasts excellent. (No rain)."
The same issue of the Statesman carried in its third page advertising columns a lengthy "Notice to Travelers," which opened:
"Charles Banget (more generally known as Cheff) the well known French teamster, at Oregon City, having located himself at Butteville, Marion County, Oregon, would respectfully inform the traveling public that he is now prepared to convey passengers from Butteville to Salem, by stage, in the shortest time possible; his horses being of a good selection, and his carriage large and comfortable."
Also, Banget had in readiness a "goodly number of baggage wagons" and "horses for the saddle, both for ladies and gentlemen." He remarked that "the road from Butteville to Salem is level the entire distance, and the two places are more easy of access to each other than any point below the head of low water navigation."
The 1857 Fourth of July celebration was recorded in the regional press. Dr. William Kiel, his fellow townsmen, and the German Brass Band came from the recently established community of Aurora, about four miles to the east, through the timber and wild meadows of the lower Pudding River country. The visitors, while at some distance from the scene of the festivities, were met and escorted into town. Around the liberty pole raised in the square a large crowd already stood gathered. With the opening of the "Star Spangled
