The iconic Oregon Trail wagon covers, a symbol of the state's rich history, have been missing for over two decades, sparking a debate about their potential return. While the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Oregon City has been open and welcoming visitors, the absence of these distinctive covers has left a void in the site's visual appeal. The center, which opened in 1995, was designed to resemble covered wagons with their bonnets stretched over giant steel frames. However, windstorms damaged the covers, leading to their removal in the early to mid-2000s. The covers, made by Salem Tent & Awning and reportedly purchased for about $100,000, have been missing for at least 20 years, with some accounts suggesting they may have been sent to Honduras for repurposing. The center's executive director, Corinne Lowenthal, acknowledges the importance of the covers, stating that they are a 'capstone for the renovation.' However, she also emphasizes the need to prioritize structural repairs and updates to the historical exhibits before considering the covers' return. The center has faced financial woes and closures in recent years, but it has rebounded with increasing visitor attendance, driven by renewed interest in history ahead of America's 250th anniversary. The center's buildings, which house artifacts, exhibits, and a theater, are in disrepair after years of deferred maintenance. Visitors can see peeling paint and crumbling signs, and the center is overdue for improvements. The city has hired Scott Edwards Architecture to lead conceptual design work for the improvement project, which is likely to be multi-million dollars. The potential return of the wagon covers is a top concern, along with the weathered steel hoops that need another refresh. However, the price tag for new covers could be in the $1 million range, and Lowenthal emphasizes the need for durable materials that will last. The center's mission to preserve, interpret, and honor the legacy of the Oregon Trail remains unchanged, and the debate over the covers' return continues to spark discussion and reflection on the state's rich history.
