
Portland’s War of the Roses
The Atlas Obscura Podcast
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Portland: The Rose City Saga
This chapter explores Portland's unique culture of rose gardening and its history as the first city in the U.S. to establish a rose society. It details the competitive rivalry with Tacoma and Seattle for the title of 'City of Roses' and highlights the contributions from local enthusiasts like Jesse Curry and Father George Shuna in cultivating Portland's reputation. The narrative culminates in the creation of Portland's famous rose garden, officially dedicated in 1924, and its ongoing role in rose cultivation innovation.
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