Photo courtesy of the Portland City Archives

The photos show the progression from early propelled aircrafts to jet engines as
larger and larger airplanes were needed to meet the growing demand of the
Portland -Vancouver Metro area. Courtesy of the Port of Portland

   The Portland International Airport is located east of the city of Portland, adjacent to the Columbia Slough on the banks of the Columbia River. Since its 1925 beginning at Swan Island, the airport's history has been one of growth. During the Depression in the late 1930's, Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding put Oregonians to work building a larger Portland Airport at its current location.

   Intermittent expansion and increased passenger service followed regional populations increases. Community residents in Portland and across the Columbia in Vancouver, Washington, concerned about the environmental and social impacts of aiport expansion, continue to protest each new plan.