A century after Buster Keaton shot the iconic silent‑film classic *The General* in the quiet town of Cottage Grove, Oregon, locals and film buffs are returning to the very streets that once echoed with the clatter of steam engines and the roar of early cinema. The gathering celebrates not only Keaton’s pioneering work but also the town’s unexpected role in shaping Hollywood’s early narrative style. Visitors can stroll the original filming locations, hear stories about the production’s daring stunts, and see how a small Oregon community helped bring a cinematic legend to life.
100 years ago, silent film star Buster Keaton filmed The General in Cottage Grove, Ore. Fans are gathering there to celebrate the making of an epic early film.