Although the mid-Columbia River has been a center of commerce for centuries, the creation of the Port of Portland in 1891 was arguably Oregon's greatest business decision.

Food. TVs. Cars. iPhones. Friends. Family. Politicians. Clothes (yes, including hot pants). The port is the region's delivery mechanism for every imaginable export and import in life.

To celebrate its land-sea-and-air history, dating back to Portland's first "wheat fleet" to England in 1868, the port has built an impressive interactive timeline showing where the region's commerce has been and where it is going.

We've also assembled a photo gallery of vintage photos from archives of The Oregonian, the Oregon Historical Society and the Port of Portland.

-- Joseph Rose

503-221-8029

jrose@oregonian.com

@josephjrose