Pittock Mansion in Portland, Oregon

It's truly amazing when historic homes are saved from demolition and restored for the public to enjoy. In the case of the Pittock Mansion, located in the West Hills of Portland, the citizens of Portland raised the $225,000 purchase price and the estate was open to the public in 1965 by the Portland Parks & Recreation Department.

When visiting the Pittock Mansion, you get a glimpse of Portland's past. The estate was the home of Oregon trail pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock. Henry was the owner of the famous newspaper "The Oregonian," which is still in print today. Henry and Georgiana were married for 58 years and lived in the mansion from 1914 to 1919.

As you explore the grounds of the estate, the manicured lawn features a variety of flowers and guests are welcome to take in this beauty for free. There are actually 46 acres of forest and gardens, as well as miles of hidden hiking trails. Be sure to explore the 30 room mansion (23 rooms are actually open to the public). There is a small admission fee to go inside, but it is definitely well worth it. I was fascinated with the different objects and artifacts found in each room. One of my favorites was the harp located in the music room. There are also several photographs of Henry and Georgiana as well as family portraits.

Pittock descendants were said to be very generous with their donations of original items to the mansion. Some of the original furniture in the house today was purchased by the Pittock Mansion Society.

The mansion is 1,000 feet above the city's skyline and on a clear day, you can see up to five mountains in the Cascade Range, including Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood. There are benches where you can sit to enjoy this view and a couple minutes of solitude.

The Pittock Mansion is just one example of an American Treasure that was preserved for many people to enjoy throughout the decades.