About this episode

The episode explores the extraordinary true story of the Aurora Colony in Oregon, founded by Wilhelm Keil.

In the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley sits the quiet town of Aurora, a place founded by a man who once predicted the end of the world... and, when it didn't happen, set out to build heaven instead. Led by the charismatic Wilhelm Keil, the Aurora Colony became one of America's most successful utopian communities. Along the way came a coffin filled with whiskey crossing the Oregon Trail, a rooftop brass band, devastating epidemics, remarkable women who defied tradition, and a legacy that still lingers in the streets of one of Oregon's best-preserved historic towns. Tonight, we uncover the extraordinary true story of the Aurora Colony.

Topics covered

• utopian communities
• American history
• Oregon history
• cultural legacy
• epidemics
• women in history

Keywords

• Aurora Colony
• Wilhelm Keil
• Oregon history
• utopian community
• cultural legacy
• whiskey
• Oregon Trail

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Oregon, Willamette Valley, Aurora, Oregon Trail, Aurora Colony

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