Brookings was named after John E. Brookings, president of the Brookings Lumber and Box Company, which founded the city in 1908.

Due to its location, Brookings is subject to winter temperatures considered unseasonably warm for the Oregon Coast. This is due in part to the marine influences from its location on the Pacific Ocean, but mostly from its situation at the foot of the Klamath Mountains, whose winds compress and warm the air flowing onto Brookings. This is called the Brookings effect or Chetco effect.

For Brookings-Harbor events, festivals, live entertainment and happenings go to our Oregon Coast Calendar.