Damascus is a city located in Clackamas County, Oregon, incorporated as a result of the passing of Measure 3-138, an initiative on the ballot for the 2004 general election. The city was the first new city in Oregon since the early 1980s. The city is located east of Happy Valley and Interstate 205 and west of Boring; its northern boundary is the Multnomah County line. The original heart of the community is along Oregon Highway 212, which as of 2004 now serves as part of the city's southern boundary.
The measure proposing incorporation estimated the population of the city to be 12,000.
The city was established in response to a 2000 decision by Metro to expand Portland's urban growth boundary to include the area now within Damascus boundaries. Its establishment prevents nearby cities from annexing the community.
According to Oregon Geographic Names, Damascus can date its existence as a community back to 1867, which a post office by that name was established. That post office was closed in 1904.
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Last updated: 05-17-2005 22:33:58
