Canby’s story began on the fertile prairie lands of northern Clackamas County, an area first known to settlers as Baker Prairie. The arrival of the Oregon & California Railroad transformed the rural settlement into a growing community. The town was platted in 1870 and named for General Edward R. S. Canby, a prominent U.S. Army officer. With its railroad connection and productive farmland, Canby became an important center for agriculture, trade, and transportation before officially incorporating in 1893.

Over the generations, Canby has grown from a small farming and railroad town into a vibrant community while retaining its close connection to the land and its historic roots. Local farms, businesses, schools, civic organizations, and traditions such as the Clackamas County Fair have all helped shape the city’s identity. The Canby Historical Society works to preserve this heritage by collecting photographs, documents, artifacts, and personal stories that connect today’s residents with the people and events that built the community.