Willamette Meteorite/Tomanowos
The Willamette Meteorite, known as Tomanowos was revered by the Clackamas Indians long before the arrival of European Settlers. In 1902 it was "discovered" by Ellis Hughes on property owned by the Oregon Iron and Steel Company. After a long legal battle the meteorite was returned to the Oregon Iron and Steel Company who put it on display at the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. It was then purchased by philanthropist Sarah Dodge, who recognized it's value to science and donated it to the American Museum of Natural History where it still resides today.
A handmade replica of the Willamette Meteorite made in the 1960's for the community, can be seen in front of TVF&R's Willamette Fire Station located at 1860 Willamette Falls Drive in West Linn.
An interpretive sign outlining the history of the meteorite and the history of the replica has been created by Historic Willamette Main Street in conjunction with the West Linn Historical Society. This signage has been place with cooperation by TVF&R in front of the replica and the fire house.
