History of Oregon

Oregon was the 33rd state to ratify the constitution of the United States of America. The history of Oregon dates back to 15,000 years.

Early History

Human beings have inhabited the Pacific Northwest for at least 15,000 years. The evidence of civilization in Oregon can be seen at Fort Rock Cave and the Paisley Caves in Lake Country.

The area along the lower Columbia River was densely populated at that time. By the 16th century, the area was home to many Native American groups, including the Bannock, Chasta, Chinook, Kalapuya, Takelma and Umpqua.

European Settlement

The Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to visit the Pacific Coast in 1543. In 1774, Juan Perez explored the Northwest coast of the Pacific. British captain James Cook explored the region in 1778. Starting in the late 1780s, people from Britain, America and other countries sailed to the Pacific Northwest to engage in the maritime fur-trade business. The British gained control of Pacific Fur Company posts in the War of 1812. The Anglo American Treaty of 1818 allowed both the US and Britain to jointly occupy the region. The US called the region Oregon County while British referred to it as Hudson's Bay Company's Columbia District. Fort Astoria was the first permanent white settlement in the region.

Oregon Trail brought many Americans settlers to the Oregon Country. In 1846, the Oregon Treaty was signed between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. It ended the Oregon boundary dispute by peacefully defining the borders. On February 14, 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state to ratify the constitution of the United States of America. The original constitution of the state had a "Whites only" clause. In 1884, a territorial statute outlawed slavery but also mandated the slaves to leave the territory. All ethnic minorities were required to pay $5 in annual taxes. The state also prohibited interracial marriages between 1861 and 1951 (approximately).

Recent History

Industrial expansion in Oregon started with the construction of the Bonneville Damn in 1933-1937. Hydroelectric power, food, and lumber helped in the development of the West. Oregon introduced the system of direct legislation in 1902, and by 1908, it empowered its citizens to recall public officials by ballot initiative. The racial discrimination in the state had a long-term effect on the state population.

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