One of the Oregon communities we know and serve.
Damascus, in north-central Clackamas County, dates its existence as a community to 1867, when a post office by that name was established.
Until 2004, Damascus was a semirural, unincorporated area bordered by Gresham, Happy Valley and Boring. After Metro brought land in Damascus into the urban growth boundary, residents voted to incorporate as a city in 2004.
Damascus voters approved disincorporation in May 2016. After a legal challenge, the Oregon Supreme Court reinstated that vote on September 3, 2020, and the former city is now unincorporated territory in Clackamas County. Happy Valley annexed significant portions of the former city.
A local landmark recalls Oregon's 1959 centennial: Damascus resident George Livingston built a giant candle for the celebration, and in 1962 the community erected a permanent concrete replica along the highway. It was repainted red in 2009 for Oregon's sesquicentennial.
Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Shannon Mesritz | Realtor in OR & WA for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Damascus, OR right now.
The Damascus area is served by several school districts, including Gresham-Barlow, North Clackamas, Centennial, Oregon Trail and Estacada, depending on the address. Gresham-Barlow's Deep Creek-Damascus K-8 School was formed in 2014 by merging Deep Creek Elementary and Damascus Middle School. Confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
Is Damascus still a city?
No. Damascus voters approved disincorporation in 2016, and the Oregon Supreme Court reinstated that vote in 2020. The area is now unincorporated territory in Clackamas County.
Who provides local government services in Damascus?
After disincorporation, the former city's financial obligations, property and employees were transferred to and assumed by Clackamas County.
Which school districts serve Damascus?
Several districts serve the Damascus area, including Gresham-Barlow, North Clackamas, Centennial, Oregon Trail and Estacada, depending on the address.
What ZIP code is Damascus?
Damascus uses ZIP code 97089.
What is the Centennial Candle in Damascus?
It is a concrete replica of the giant candle Damascus resident George Livingston built for Oregon's 1959 centennial. The replica was erected in 1962 on Highway 212 and repainted in 2009.