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''< ''[[Portal:Oregon|''Portal:Oregon'']]  
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| link2=[[United States History|U.S. History]]
| link3=[[Oregon, United States Genealogy|Oregon]]
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| link5=[[Oregon History|History]]
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=== TIMELINE ===
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|[[Image:Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge - Oregon.jpg|right|2500x230px|Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge - Oregon]]
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*1792---Robert Gray discovers the River of the West and names it for his ship, the Columbia.
 
*'''1805---'''The Lewis & Clark Expedition arrives at the mouth of the Columbia and spends the winter at Fort Clatsop before returning the following spring.
=== Online Resources ===
*'''1811'''---The Pacific Fur Company establishes an outpost at the mouth of the Columbia and calls it Fort George (today's Astoria).
 
*'''1814---'''The first white woman, Jane Barnes, arrives at Fort George.
*[http://www.ohs.org/education/oregonhistory/index.cfm The Oregon History Project]
*'''1817'''---William Cullen Bryant first uses the name "Oregon" in his poem, ''Thanatopsis''.
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=28737 History of Oregon]($), index/images
*'''1824'''---Fort Vancouver is established as the Hudson's Bay Co. headquarters.
*[http://www.learnwebskills.com/family/countyhistories3.htm#or County and Town Histories], includes biographies
*'''1827'''---Dr. John McLoughlin establishes the first sawmill.
*[http://bluebook.state.or.us/cultural/history/history.htm Oregon Bluebook: History of Oregon]<br>
*'''1834 (Jul)'''---Fort Hall is established in present-day Idaho.
*[http://www.ohs.org/education/oregonhistory/index.cfm History Of Oregon Project]
*'''1834 (Sep)'''---Jason Lee's party arrives in Oregon and establishes the Willamette Mission.
*[http://www.ohs.org/ Oregon Historical Society]
*'''1836 (Sep)'''---Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spaulding arrive overland, becoming the first white women to cross the continent.
 
*'''1838 (Nov)'''---Catholic missionaries, Blanchet &amp; Demers arrive in the Pacific Northwest.
== Brief History  ==
*'''1839'''---The first printing press is brought from Honolulu to Lapwai, where a Nez Perce primer is the first printed book.
 
*'''1841'''---Civil government is established by the settlers, by a meeting at Champoeg.
The following important events in the history of [[Oregon, United States Genealogy|Oregon]] are affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping.
*'''1842'''---Willamette University, the first west of the Mississippi is founded in Jason Lee's home.
 
*'''1843'''---Oregon is divided into districts, when Clackamas, Champoeg, Twality, and Yamhill Districts (later to be called counties) are created.
== Timeline  ==
*'''1844'''---American taxes are collected on a voluntary basis.
 
*'''1844 (Jun)'''---Clatsop County is created from Twality.
For additional information on links in this article, please search [http://www.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia].  
*'''1845'''---A second Provisional Government is created and George Abernathy elected governor.
 
*'''1845 (Dec)'''---Polk County is created from Yamhill.
*'''1792---'''Robert Gray discovers the River of the West and names it for his ship, the Columbia.'''<br>'''  
*'''1846 (Feb 2)'''---The ''Oregon Spectator'', Oregon's first newspaper begins publication at Oregon City.
*'''1805---'''The Lewis &amp; Clark Expedition arrives at the mouth of the Columbia and spends the winter at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Clatsop Fort Clatsop] before returning the following spring.  
*'''18--''':&nbsp;&nbsp;Treaty gave joint control of Oregon Territory to U.S. and Nez Perce Indians
*'''1811'''---The Pacific Fur Company establishes an outpost at the mouth of the Columbia and calls it Fort George (today's Astoria).  
*'''1846 (Jun 15)---'''Great Britain gives up claim to Oregon Territory, and&nbsp;by treaty the northern boundary is established at 49 degrees north latitude.
*'''1814---'''The first white woman, Jane Barnes, arrives at Fort George.  
*'''1847 (Nov 29)'''---The Whitmans are murdered in a raid at Waiilatpu, which begins the Cayuse Indian War.
*'''1817'''---William Cullen Bryant first uses the name "Oregon" in his poem, ''Thanatopsis''.  
*'''1847 (Dec 23)'''---Benton County is established from Polk.
*'''1819'''---Spain gives up claim to the territory.  
*'''1847 (Dec 28)'''---Linn County is established from Champoeg.
*'''1824-1825'''----Russia gives up claim to the territory.  
*'''1848 (Aug 14)'''---The Oregon Territory is created. Abraham Lincoln refuses the governorship.
*'''1824'''---Fort Vancouver is established as the Hudson's Bay Co. headquarters.  
*'''1849 (Mar 3)'''---Joseph Lane, the appointed governor, arrives in Oregon.
*'''1827'''---Dr. John McLoughlin establishes the first sawmill.  
*'''1849 (Sep)---'''Twality County is renamed to Washington County.
*'''1834 (Jul)'''---Fort Hall is established in present-day [[Idaho Genealogy|Idaho]].  
*'''1850 (Sep 27)'''---The Oregon Donation Land Act is enacted by the U.S. government.
*'''1834 (Sep)'''---Jason Lee's party arrives in Oregon and establishes the [http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_139.php Willamette Mission].  
*'''1851'''---A law is passed allowing black settler, George Washington Bush, to settle in Oregon. And the&nbsp;first Chinese, Sung Sung, settles at Portland
*'''1836 (Sep)'''---Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spaulding arrive overland, becoming the first white women to cross the continent.  
*'''1851 (Jan 23)'''---The City of Portland is incorporated.
*'''1838 (Nov)'''---Catholic missionaries, Blanchet &amp; Demers arrive in the Pacific Northwest.  
*'''1851 (Jan 24)'''---Umpqua County is created.
*'''1839'''---The first printing press is brought from Honolulu to Lapwai, where a Nez Perce primer is the first printed book.  
*'''1851 (Jan 28)'''---Lane County is created from parts of Linn and Umpqua County.
*'''1841'''---Civil government is established by the settlers, by a meeting at Champoeg.  
*'''1851'''---The stake was driven beginning&nbsp;a survey of the Oregon country.
*'''1842'''---[http://www.willamette.edu/ Willamette University], the first west of the Mississippi is founded in Jason Lee's home.  
*'''1852 (Jan)'''---Douglas County and Jackson County are both created from part of Umpqua County.
*'''1843'''---Oregon is divided into districts, when [[Clackamas County, Oregon Genealogy|Clackamas]], [[Marion County, Oregon Genealogy|Champoeg]], [[Washington County, Oregon Genealogy|Twality]], and [[Yamhill County, Oregon Genealogy|Yamhill]] Districts (later to be called counties) are created.  
*'''1853'''---Washington Territory is cut off from Oregon.  
*'''1844'''---American taxes are collected on a voluntary basis.  
*'''1853 (Dec)---'''Tillamook County is created from parts of Clatsop,&nbsp;Polk, and Yamhill Counties.&nbsp;Coos County is created from parts of Umpqua and Jackson Counties.
*'''1844 (Jun)'''---[[Clatsop County, Oregon Genealogy|Clatsop County]] is created from Twality.  
*'''1854---'''John W. Hillman and a party of prospectors discover Crater Lake, which they called Deep Blue Lake.
*'''1845'''---A second Provisional Government is created and George Abernathy elected governor.  
*'''1854 (Jan)'''---Wasco County created from parts of Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Lane, Douglas, and Jackson Counties. Columbia County is created from Washington County.
*'''1845 (Dec)'''---[[Polk County, Oregon Genealogy|Polk County]] is created from Yamhill.  
*'''1854 (Dec)'''---Multnomah County created from Washington and Clackamas Counties.
*'''1846 (Feb 2)'''---The ''Oregon Spectator'', Oregon's first newspaper begins publication at Oregon City.  
*'''1855'''---The Yakima Indian War begins.
*'''1846 (Jun 15)---'''Great Britain gives up claim to Oregon Territory, and by treaty the northern boundary is established at 49 degrees north latitude.  
*'''1855 (Dec)'''---Curry County is created from Coos County.
*'''1847 (Nov 29)'''---The [http://www.nps.gov/whmi/ Whitmans] are killed in a raid at Waiilatpu, which begins the Cayuse Indian War.
*'''1856 (Jan)'''---Josephine County is created from Jackson County.
*'''1847 (Dec 23)'''---[[Benton County, Oregon Genealogy|Benton County]] is established from Polk.  
*'''1859 (Feb 14)'''---The United States Congress ratifies the Oregon State Consitition.
*'''1847 (Dec 28)'''---[[Linn County, Oregon Genealogy|Linn County]] is established from Champoeg.  
*'''1860'''---Daily stagecoach service beings between Portland and Sacramento.
*'''1848 (Aug 14)'''---The Oregon Territory is created. Abraham Lincoln refuses the governorship.  
*'''1861'''---The village of Champoeg is destroyed in a flood.
*'''1849 (Mar 3)'''---Joseph Lane, the appointed governor, arrives in Oregon.  
*'''1862 (Sep)'''---Baker County and Umatilla County are both creted from Wasco County.
*'''1849 (Sep)---'''Twality County is renamed to Washington County.  
*'''1863---'''Douglas County absorbs the remainder of Umpqua County, which ceases to exist.
*'''1850 (Sep 27)'''---The [http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~jkidd/articles/DLC.htm Oregon Donation Land Act] is enacted by the U.S. government. which guaranteed settlers land ownership if they would settle on and cultivate land in the territory.
*'''1864---'''A popular vote establishes Salem as the state capitol. Earlier seats of the territorial government had been at Oregon City, Corvallis and at Salem.
*'''1851'''---A law is passed allowing black settler, George Washington Bush, to settle in Oregon. And the first Chinese, Sung Sung, settles at Portland
*'''1864 (Oct)'''---Grant County is formed from Wasco and Umatilla Counties. Union County is created from Baker County.
*'''1851 (Jan 23)'''---The [http://www.portlandonline.com/ City of Portland] is incorporated.
*'''1869'''---The first Public High School is created in Oregon.
*'''1851 (Jan 24)'''---Umpqua County is created.  
*'''1872---'''The Oregon Pioneer Association is formed.
*'''1851 (Jan 28)'''---[[Lane County, Oregon Genealogy|Lane County]] is created from parts of Linn and Umpqua County.  
*'''1874---'''Lake County is created from parts of Jackson and Wasco Counties.
*'''1851'''---The stake was driven beginning a survey of the Oregon country.  
*'''1876---'''The University of Oregno is established in Eugene.
*'''1852 (Jan)'''---[[Douglas County, Oregon Genealogy|Douglas County]] and [[Jackson County, Oregon Genealogy|Jackson County]] are both created from part of Umpqua County.
*'''1877---'''The Nez Perce War begins.
*'''1853'''---The [[Washington, United States Genealogy|Washington Territory]] was organized, reducing the size of the Oregon Territory by about half.  
*'''1878---'''The Banock Indian War begins.
*'''1853 (Dec)---'''[[Tillamook County, Oregon Genealogy|Tillamook County]]''' '''is created from parts of Clatsop, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. Coos County is created from parts of Umpqua and Jackson Counties.  
*'''1880---'''The first person of Japanese ancestry, Miyo Iwakoshi, settles in Oregon.
*'''1854---'''John W. Hillman and a party of prospectors discover [http://www.nps.gov/crla/ Crater Lake], which they called Deep Blue Lake.  
*'''1882 (Oct)---'''Klamath County is created from Lake County. Crook County is created from Wasco County.
*'''1854 (Jan)'''---[[Wasco County, Oregon Genealogy|Wasco County]] is created from parts of Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Lane, Douglas, and Jackson Counties. [[Columbia County, Oregon Genealogy|Columbia County]] is created from Washington County.  
*'''1883'''---The transcontinental railroad is completed.
*'''1854 (Dec)'''---[[Multnomah County, Oregon Genealogy|Multnomah County]] created from Washington and Clackamas Counties.
*'''1885 (Feb)---'''Morrow County is created from Umatilla County.&nbsp;Gilliam County is created from Wasco County.
*'''1855'''---The Yakima Indian War begins.  
*'''1886'''---Mary Leonard becomes first woman admitted to Oregon bar.
*'''1855 (Dec)'''---[[Curry County, Oregon Genealogy|Curry County]] is created from Coos County.  
*'''1887 (Feb)'''---Wallow County is creatd from Union County. Malheur County is created from Baker County.
*'''1856 (Jan)'''---[[Josephine County, Oregon Genealogy|Josephine County]] is created from Jackson County.  
*'''1888---'''The Oregon Historical Society is incorporated.
*'''1859 (Feb 14)'''---The United States Congress ratifies the [http://www.leg.state.or.us/orcons/ Oregon State Consitition], establishing Oregon as the 33rd state.  
*'''1889 (Feb)'''---Harney County is created from Grant County. Sherman County is created from Wasco County.
*'''1860'''---Daily stagecoach service begins between Portland and Sacramento.  
*'''1893 (Feb)---'''Lincoln County is created from parts of Benton and Polk Counties.&nbsp;
*'''1861'''---The village of Champoeg is destroyed in a flood.  
*'''1899 (Feb)---'''Wheeler County created from parts of Crook, Gilliam, and Grant Counties.
*'''1862 (Sep)'''---[[Baker County, Oregon Genealogy|Baker County]] and [[Umatilla County, Oregon Genealogy|Umatilla County]] are both creted from Wasco County.  
*'''1899 (Dec)'''---The first automobile arrives in Oregon.
*'''1863---'''Douglas County absorbs the remainder of Umpqua County, which ceases to exist.  
*'''1902'''---Initiative and referendum laws were adopted, the first in any state.
*'''1864---'''A popular vote establishes Salem as the state capitol. Earlier seats of the territorial government had been at Oregon City, Corvallis and at Salem.
*'''1905'''---Lewis &amp; Clark Centennial Exposition beings in Portland.
*'''1864 (Oct)'''---[[Grant County, Oregon Genealogy|Grant County]] is formed from Wasco and Umatilla Counties. [[Union County, Oregon Genealogy|Union County]] is created from Baker County.  
*'''1908'''---Hood River County is created from Wasco County.
*'''1869'''---The first Public High School is created in Oregon.  
*'''1908 (Apr 1)'''---Lola Baldwin named head of the Women's Division of the Portland Police, and becomes the first female police officer in the U.S.
*'''1872---'''The Oregon Pioneer Association is formed.
*'''1912---'''Oregon women get the vote.
*'''1874---'''[[Lake County, Oregon Genealogy|Lake County]] is created from parts of Jackson and Wasco Counties.  
*'''1914---'''Jefferson County and Deschutes County are both created from Crook County.
*'''1876---'''The [http://www.uoregon.edu/ University of Oregon] is established in Eugene.  
*'''1921---'''The Klu Klux Klan is organized in Oregon.
*'''1877---'''The Nez Perce War begins.  
*'''1933'''---The Tillamook Burn destroys 240,000 acres of timber land.
*'''1878---'''The Banock Indian War begins.  
*'''1937'''---Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the Bonneville Dam.
*'''1880---'''The first person of Japanese ancestry, Miyo Iwakoshi, settles in Oregon.  
*'''1942---'''The first woman is called to jury duty in a U.S. Federal Court, in Oregon.
*'''1882 (Oct)---'''[[Klamath County, Oregon Genealogy|Klamath County]] is created from Lake County. [[Crook County, Oregon Genealogy|Crook County]] is created from Wasco County.
*'''1948 (May 30)'''---A flood destroys the city of Vanport, a city of 17,500 residents built to house wartime workers.
*'''1883'''---The Northern Pacific Railway reached Oregon.  
*'''1961'''---Freeway connecting Salem and Portland is completed.
*'''1885 (Feb)---'''[[Morrow County, Oregon Genealogy|Morrow County]] is created from Umatilla County. [[Gilliam County, Oregon Genealogy|Gilliam County]] is created from Wasco County.  
*'''1966'''---The&nbsp;I-5 freeway, linking California to Washington completed.
*'''1886'''---Mary Leonard becomes first woman admitted to Oregon bar.  
*'''1967'''---The Beach Bill is approved, making all of Oregon's beaches open to the public.
*'''1887 (Feb)'''---[[Wallowa County, Oregon Genealogy|Wallowa County]] is created from Union County. [[Malheur County, Oregon Genealogy|Malheur County]] is created from Baker County.
*'''1971---'''The Bottle Bill is approved.
*'''1888---'''The [http://www.ohs.org/ Oregon Historical Society] is incorporated.
*'''1978---'''The Oregon Trail is listed as a&nbsp;National Historic Trail by U.S. Congress.
*'''1889 (Feb)'''---[[Harney County, Oregon Genealogy|Harney County]] is created from Grant County. [[Sherman County, Oregon Genealogy|Sherman County]] is created from Wasco County.
*'''1978---'''Mt. St. Helens erupts, in Washington.
*'''1893 (Feb)---'''[[Lincoln County, Oregon Genealogy|Lincoln County]] is created from parts of Benton and Polk Counties. 
*'''1899 (Feb)---'''[[Wheeler County, Oregon Genealogy|Wheeler County]] created from parts of Crook, Gilliam, and Grant Counties.
*'''1899 (Dec)'''---The first automobile arrives in Oregon.
*'''1902'''---Initiative and referendum laws were adopted, the first in any state.
*'''1905'''---Lewis &amp;Clark Centennial Exposition beings in Portland.
*'''1908'''---[[Hood River County, Oregon Genealogy|Hood River County]] is created from Wasco County.
*'''1908 (Apr 1)'''---Lola Baldwin named head of the Women's Division of the Portland Police, and becomes the first female police officer in the U.S.
*'''1912---'''Oregon women get the vote.
*'''1914---'''[[Jefferson County, Oregon Genealogy|Jefferson County]] and [[Deschutes County, Oregon Genealogy|Deschutes County]] are both created from Crook County.
*'''1921---'''The Klu Klux Klan is organized in Oregon.
*'''1933'''---The [http://www.tillamoo.com/burn.html Tillamook Burn] destroys 240,000 acres of timber land.  
*'''1937'''---Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the Bonneville Dam.  
*'''1942---'''The first woman is called to jury duty in a U.S. Federal Court, in Oregon.  
*'''1948 (May 30)'''---A flood destroys the city of Vanport, a city of 17,500 residents built to house wartime workers.  
*'''1961'''---Freeway connecting Salem and Portland is completed.  
*'''1966'''---The I-5 freeway, linking California to Washington completed.  
*'''1967'''---The Beach Bill is approved, making all of Oregon's beaches open to the public.  
*'''1971---'''The Bottle Bill is approved.  
*'''1978---'''The Oregon Trail is listed as a National Historic Trail by U.S. Congress.  
*'''1978---'''Mt. St. Helens erupts, in Washington.  
*'''1993---'''Oregon holds the nation's first statewide vote-by-mail election.
*'''1993---'''Oregon holds the nation's first statewide vote-by-mail election.


Most archives, historical societies and genealogical societies have special collections and indexes of genealogical value. These must usually be searched in person.  
== Historical Content  ==
 
Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including:
 
{| width="80%" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| valign="top" |
*Parents' names
*Maiden names of women
*Place of birth, death, or marriage
 
| valign="top" |
*Occupation
*Migration
*Military service
 
| valign="top" |
*Descendants
 
|}
 
== Local Histories  ==
 
Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. The United States Research "[[United States History|History]]" page cites nationwide bibliographies of local histories which include histories of Oregon.
 
*A notable genealogical collection is the Daughter's of the American Revolution (DAR) Collection. This collection consists of transcripts of Bible, cemetery, church, marriage, death, obituary, and will records. It was microfilmed in 1971 at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., and is available on 33 reels at the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library] <ref>(beginning on FS Library film {{FSC|231652|title-id|disp=857012}}). </ref>The volumes are generally arranged by county and many have individual indexes
 
*''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' <ref>Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. ({{FSC|A Bibliography of American County Histories|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23bi}})</ref> <ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/12356760referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>
 
*''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' <ref>Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. ({{FSC|252458|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 A3ka}}.) </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congressqt=results_page Worldcat] </ref>
 
== State Histories Useful to Genealogists  ==
 
Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the laudatory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Oregon are:
 
*''History of Oregon'' is a helpful source for studying the history of Oregon. <ref>Charles Henry Carey, ''History of Oregon'', 3 vols. (Chicago: Pioneer History Pub. Co., 1922; FS Library book 979.5 H2cc; fiche 6046590). </ref>Volumes 2-3 are collected biographies.
 
== United States History  ==
 
The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:
 
*''The Almanac of American History'', <ref>Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. ({{FSC|The Almanac of American History.|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2alm}}) </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/9392978referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
 
*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed'' <ref>'' Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. ({{FSC|76529|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2ad}}.)</ref> <ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2507380referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. A snippet view is available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Lz9WC9EyF08C&q=9780684138565&dq=9780684138565&ei=F4GxSbisHpDMlQSW3Z36BQ&pgis=1 Google books].
 
*''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium'' <ref>'' Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. Springfield, Mass.: G &amp; C Merriam, 1971. ({{FSC|Webster%27s Guide to American History%3A A Chronological%2C Geographical%2C and Biographical Survey and Compendium|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2v}}) </ref><ref>Limited view at [http://books.google.com/books?id=MVU6DS6Re8gCdq=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History:+A+Chronological,+Geographical,+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium%27ei=Vn-xSeS6FJDUlQSby81v#PPP13,M1 Google Books] </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+Historyqt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref>This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.
 
*''Writings on American History'' <ref>''Writings on American History'' By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 {{FSC|244514|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23w}} </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Writings+on+American+Historyqt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref>Has the full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ&dq=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congress&ei=N3yxSd6pI4K0kATC-qRu Google Books]
 
To find more books and articles about Oregon 's history use the Internet [http://www.google.com/ Google] search for phases like "Oregon history." [[FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search|FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search]] lists many more histories under topics like:
 
::OREGON - HISTORY
::OREGON, [COUNTY] - HISTORY
::OREGON, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
::OREGON, BIBLIOGRAPHY
 
== Sources  ==


A notable genealogical collection is the Daughter's of the American Revolution (DAR) Collection. This collection consists of transcripts of Bible, cemetery, church, marriage, death, obituary, and will records. It was microfilmed in 1971 at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., and is available on 33 reels at the Family History Library (beginning on Family History Library film 857012). The volumes are generally arranged by county and many have individual indexes.
<references /> 


There are many internet articles on the history of [[Portal:Oregon|Oregon]] on the internet.&nbsp;&nbsp; To find some of them use a search engine with the terms Oregon and History.


[[Category:Oregon]]
[[Category:Oregon, United States|History]][[Category:United States History]]

Latest revision as of 09:39, 19 April 2024

Oregon Wiki Topics
Oregon flag.png
Beginning Research
Record Types
Oregon Background
Cultural Groups
Local Research Resources
Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge - Oregon


Online Resources

Brief History

The following important events in the history of Oregon are affected political jurisdictions, family movements, and record keeping.

Timeline

For additional information on links in this article, please search Wikipedia.

  • 1792---Robert Gray discovers the River of the West and names it for his ship, the Columbia.
  • 1805---The Lewis & Clark Expedition arrives at the mouth of the Columbia and spends the winter at Fort Clatsop before returning the following spring.
  • 1811---The Pacific Fur Company establishes an outpost at the mouth of the Columbia and calls it Fort George (today's Astoria).
  • 1814---The first white woman, Jane Barnes, arrives at Fort George.
  • 1817---William Cullen Bryant first uses the name "Oregon" in his poem, Thanatopsis.
  • 1819---Spain gives up claim to the territory.
  • 1824-1825----Russia gives up claim to the territory.
  • 1824---Fort Vancouver is established as the Hudson's Bay Co. headquarters.
  • 1827---Dr. John McLoughlin establishes the first sawmill.
  • 1834 (Jul)---Fort Hall is established in present-day Idaho.
  • 1834 (Sep)---Jason Lee's party arrives in Oregon and establishes the Willamette Mission.
  • 1836 (Sep)---Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spaulding arrive overland, becoming the first white women to cross the continent.
  • 1838 (Nov)---Catholic missionaries, Blanchet & Demers arrive in the Pacific Northwest.
  • 1839---The first printing press is brought from Honolulu to Lapwai, where a Nez Perce primer is the first printed book.
  • 1841---Civil government is established by the settlers, by a meeting at Champoeg.
  • 1842---Willamette University, the first west of the Mississippi is founded in Jason Lee's home.
  • 1843---Oregon is divided into districts, when Clackamas, Champoeg, Twality, and Yamhill Districts (later to be called counties) are created.
  • 1844---American taxes are collected on a voluntary basis.
  • 1844 (Jun)---Clatsop County is created from Twality.
  • 1845---A second Provisional Government is created and George Abernathy elected governor.
  • 1845 (Dec)---Polk County is created from Yamhill.
  • 1846 (Feb 2)---The Oregon Spectator, Oregon's first newspaper begins publication at Oregon City.
  • 1846 (Jun 15)---Great Britain gives up claim to Oregon Territory, and by treaty the northern boundary is established at 49 degrees north latitude.
  • 1847 (Nov 29)---The Whitmans are killed in a raid at Waiilatpu, which begins the Cayuse Indian War.
  • 1847 (Dec 23)---Benton County is established from Polk.
  • 1847 (Dec 28)---Linn County is established from Champoeg.
  • 1848 (Aug 14)---The Oregon Territory is created. Abraham Lincoln refuses the governorship.
  • 1849 (Mar 3)---Joseph Lane, the appointed governor, arrives in Oregon.
  • 1849 (Sep)---Twality County is renamed to Washington County.
  • 1850 (Sep 27)---The Oregon Donation Land Act is enacted by the U.S. government. which guaranteed settlers land ownership if they would settle on and cultivate land in the territory.
  • 1851---A law is passed allowing black settler, George Washington Bush, to settle in Oregon. And the first Chinese, Sung Sung, settles at Portland
  • 1851 (Jan 23)---The City of Portland is incorporated.
  • 1851 (Jan 24)---Umpqua County is created.
  • 1851 (Jan 28)---Lane County is created from parts of Linn and Umpqua County.
  • 1851---The stake was driven beginning a survey of the Oregon country.
  • 1852 (Jan)---Douglas County and Jackson County are both created from part of Umpqua County.
  • 1853---The Washington Territory was organized, reducing the size of the Oregon Territory by about half.
  • 1853 (Dec)---Tillamook County is created from parts of Clatsop, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. Coos County is created from parts of Umpqua and Jackson Counties.
  • 1854---John W. Hillman and a party of prospectors discover Crater Lake, which they called Deep Blue Lake.
  • 1854 (Jan)---Wasco County is created from parts of Clackamas, Marion, Linn, Lane, Douglas, and Jackson Counties. Columbia County is created from Washington County.
  • 1854 (Dec)---Multnomah County created from Washington and Clackamas Counties.
  • 1855---The Yakima Indian War begins.
  • 1855 (Dec)---Curry County is created from Coos County.
  • 1856 (Jan)---Josephine County is created from Jackson County.
  • 1859 (Feb 14)---The United States Congress ratifies the Oregon State Consitition, establishing Oregon as the 33rd state.
  • 1860---Daily stagecoach service begins between Portland and Sacramento.
  • 1861---The village of Champoeg is destroyed in a flood.
  • 1862 (Sep)---Baker County and Umatilla County are both creted from Wasco County.
  • 1863---Douglas County absorbs the remainder of Umpqua County, which ceases to exist.
  • 1864---A popular vote establishes Salem as the state capitol. Earlier seats of the territorial government had been at Oregon City, Corvallis and at Salem.
  • 1864 (Oct)---Grant County is formed from Wasco and Umatilla Counties. Union County is created from Baker County.
  • 1869---The first Public High School is created in Oregon.
  • 1872---The Oregon Pioneer Association is formed.
  • 1874---Lake County is created from parts of Jackson and Wasco Counties.
  • 1876---The University of Oregon is established in Eugene.
  • 1877---The Nez Perce War begins.
  • 1878---The Banock Indian War begins.
  • 1880---The first person of Japanese ancestry, Miyo Iwakoshi, settles in Oregon.
  • 1882 (Oct)---Klamath County is created from Lake County. Crook County is created from Wasco County.
  • 1883---The Northern Pacific Railway reached Oregon.
  • 1885 (Feb)---Morrow County is created from Umatilla County. Gilliam County is created from Wasco County.
  • 1886---Mary Leonard becomes first woman admitted to Oregon bar.
  • 1887 (Feb)---Wallowa County is created from Union County. Malheur County is created from Baker County.
  • 1888---The Oregon Historical Society is incorporated.
  • 1889 (Feb)---Harney County is created from Grant County. Sherman County is created from Wasco County.
  • 1893 (Feb)---Lincoln County is created from parts of Benton and Polk Counties.
  • 1899 (Feb)---Wheeler County created from parts of Crook, Gilliam, and Grant Counties.
  • 1899 (Dec)---The first automobile arrives in Oregon.
  • 1902---Initiative and referendum laws were adopted, the first in any state.
  • 1905---Lewis &Clark Centennial Exposition beings in Portland.
  • 1908---Hood River County is created from Wasco County.
  • 1908 (Apr 1)---Lola Baldwin named head of the Women's Division of the Portland Police, and becomes the first female police officer in the U.S.
  • 1912---Oregon women get the vote.
  • 1914---Jefferson County and Deschutes County are both created from Crook County.
  • 1921---The Klu Klux Klan is organized in Oregon.
  • 1933---The Tillamook Burn destroys 240,000 acres of timber land.
  • 1937---Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicates the Bonneville Dam.
  • 1942---The first woman is called to jury duty in a U.S. Federal Court, in Oregon.
  • 1948 (May 30)---A flood destroys the city of Vanport, a city of 17,500 residents built to house wartime workers.
  • 1961---Freeway connecting Salem and Portland is completed.
  • 1966---The I-5 freeway, linking California to Washington completed.
  • 1967---The Beach Bill is approved, making all of Oregon's beaches open to the public.
  • 1971---The Bottle Bill is approved.
  • 1978---The Oregon Trail is listed as a National Historic Trail by U.S. Congress.
  • 1978---Mt. St. Helens erupts, in Washington.
  • 1993---Oregon holds the nation's first statewide vote-by-mail election.

Historical Content

Histories are great sources of genealogical information. Many contain biographical information about individuals who lived in the area, including:

  • Parents' names
  • Maiden names of women
  • Place of birth, death, or marriage
  • Occupation
  • Migration
  • Military service
  • Descendants

Local Histories

Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the FamilySearch Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. The United States Research "History" page cites nationwide bibliographies of local histories which include histories of Oregon.

  • A notable genealogical collection is the Daughter's of the American Revolution (DAR) Collection. This collection consists of transcripts of Bible, cemetery, church, marriage, death, obituary, and will records. It was microfilmed in 1971 at the DAR Library in Washington, D.C., and is available on 33 reels at the FamilySearch Library [1]The volumes are generally arranged by county and many have individual indexes
  • A Bibliography of American County Histories [2] [3]
  • United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress [4][5]

State Histories Useful to Genealogists

Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the laudatory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Oregon are:

  • History of Oregon is a helpful source for studying the history of Oregon. [6]Volumes 2-3 are collected biographies.

United States History

The following are only a few of the many sources that are available:

  • The Almanac of American History, [7][8]This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
  • Dictionary of American History, Revised ed [9] [10]This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. A snippet view is available at Google books.
  • Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium [11][12][13]This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.

To find more books and articles about Oregon 's history use the Internet Google search for phases like "Oregon history." FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search lists many more histories under topics like:

OREGON - HISTORY
OREGON, [COUNTY] - HISTORY
OREGON, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
OREGON, BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sources

  1. ↑ (beginning on FS Library film 857012).
  2. ↑ Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. (FS Catalog book 973 H23bi)
  3. ↑ Worldcat
  4. ↑ Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. (FS Catalog book 973 A3ka.)
  5. ↑ Worldcat
  6. ↑ Charles Henry Carey, History of Oregon, 3 vols. (Chicago: Pioneer History Pub. Co., 1922; FS Library book 979.5 H2cc; fiche 6046590).
  7. ↑ Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. The Almanac of American History. Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. (FS Catalog book 973 H2alm)
  8. ↑ Worldcat
  9. ↑ Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. (FS Catalog book 973 H2ad.)
  10. ↑ Worldcat
  11. ↑ Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium. Springfield, Mass.: G & C Merriam, 1971. (FS Catalog book 973 H2v)
  12. ↑ Limited view at Google Books
  13. ↑ Worldcat
  14. ↑ Writings on American History By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 FS Catalog book 973 H23w
  15. ↑ Worldcat
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