History of St. Paul, Oregon in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 12, 2026

St. Paul is a city located in Marion County, Oregon, with a population of 434 as of 2020. It forms part of the Salem Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city derives its name from the Saint Paul Mission, which was established by Archbishop François Norbert Blanchet in 1838. Blanchet arrived in the Oregon Country to serve the Catholic community residing in French Prairie, marking a significant historical event and the foundation of the city.

1901: St. Paul Incorporation

In 1901, the city of St. Paul was officially incorporated.

1935: Inaugural St. Paul Rodeo

Since 1935, the St. Paul Rodeo has been held annually every 4th of July.

1982: St. Paul Historic District Listed on NRHP

In 1982, the center of St. Paul was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the St. Paul Historic District, featuring 63 contributing properties and the St. Paul Catholic Church as its centerpiece.

1991: St. Paul Rodeo Voted Finest in the Pacific Northwest

In 1991, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association voted the St. Paul Rodeo as the finest rodeo in the Pacific Northwest.

1993: Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Served at St. Paul Parochial School

From 1993, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon served at St. Paul Parochial School.

2000: End of Service of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon

In 2000, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon ended their service at St. Paul Parochial School.

2000: St. Paul Census Data

In 2000, the census recorded St. Paul with a population of 354, comprising 123 households and 90 families. The population density was 1,231.4 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was primarily White (78.25%), with 25.71% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino.

2005: Cemetery Wall of Remembrance Dedication

In 2005, a wall of remembrance was dedicated in the cemetery, honoring members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon. Early French Canadian settlers often intermarried with women from local tribes, including the Clackamas, Molala, and Kalapuya.

2010: St. Paul Census Data

In 2010, the census recorded St. Paul with a population of 421, comprising 147 households and 113 families. The population density was 1,451.7 inhabitants per square mile. The racial makeup was primarily White (94.1%), with 14.7% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino.

2020: St. Paul Population in 2020

In 2020, the census recorded the population of St. Paul as 434 residents.

2020: St. Paul Census Data

In 2020, the census revealed St. Paul's population was 434, with a median age of 39.3 years. 24.7% were under 18, and 18.0% were 65 or older. The gender distribution was approximately equal.