The William Bybee House is an interesting example of Classical Revival architecture in Oregon. It is nearly identical to the house built by William's cousin, James Bybee, nearly 300 miles away on Sauvie Island.

Bybee was born in Clark County, Kentucky, in 1830. In 1850, he went to Missouri where he became a freight driver for the US Government. Two years later, he went to the California Gold Mines.

In 1853, Bybee headed north through Jacksonville to Sauvie Island, where his cousin James had settled in 1847.

Bybee returned to Jacksonville in 1854 where he and fifty others fought the Indians under the command of Jesse Walker.

Bybee was successful in his agricultural affairs and at one time owned more than five thousand acres in Jackson County. Although his principal occupation was stock raising, he was an influential man and was active in Democratic (Copperhead) politics. He was sheriff for two terms.

Bybee was a horse breeder and racer. "Horse races were run at Bybee's where a course famous up and down the coast was used by owners of thoroughbreds whenever the occasion demanded."

After Bybee died in November of 1908, it was said that "during his entire life he was counted among the safe and progressive leaders in all matters relating to public affairs."

Adapted from the NRHP nomination submitted in 1977.