This locale was originally named "Stipp" for local settler John L. Stipp, whose land claim was just west of present-day Macleay.[2] Stipp donated the land for what is now known as the Stipp Memorial Cemetery.[2] Stipp post office was established in 1880, and the name changed to "Macleay" in 1882.[2]Donald Macleay was a prominent merchant of Portland, and along with fellow ScotWilliam Reid, was one of the investors in the narrow-gaugeOregonian Railway Company, which was built through the area.[2][3] Macleay gave money to build a schoolhouse in the Stipp area, near the new railroad station, so the post office was renamed in his honor.[2] Macleay was platted in 1884.[4] Macleay post office ran until 1939.[2]
Ownership of the railroad line passed on to Southern Pacific and today it is owned by Union Pacific.[5] The Macleay Country Store has been in operation since 1916.[3] The community also has an active Grange hall, a fire station,[6] and the former school currently serves as a church.[citation needed]
