The current elevator was built in 1954–55,[3] and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

The city's central business district is sandwiched between the Willamette River and a basalt cliff, and is only several blocks wide.

Indian trails negotiating the cliffside were used originally to connect the two areas beginning with the founding of the town in 1829.

The original elevator that was constructed in this area was built as a means of transportation for the residents in the city.

The alternative option before the build, would have been walking the stairs from the base to the top of the cliff which consisted of 722 steps.

Sara Chase was the owner of the planned building site, but refused to give up her property for the elevator.

After the city went through the Oregon Supreme Court, it was ruled that they could create a right-of-way to the elevator.

[2] Ridership is as high as 1,300 people per day during the city's summer tourist season.