A look at Oregon history
Anyone who has ever been to Oregon will quickly agree that it is a state with a rich heritage. As white people spread into the countryside, numerous changes spread across the nation. The following five stories open the door to the historical wonders of Oregon, opening the way to an adventure through time.
western adventure
In 1804, Lewis and Clark began their famous journey across the western part of our nation. In search of a waterway that would allow a better way to transport goods across the country, they also set about discovering what was included in the land that was granted to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. Following the Missouri River, the expedition made its way slowly to Orgeon, where they decided to spend the bitter winter months at Fort Clatsop, which is near present-day Astoria, Oregon.
In modern times, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail can still be followed along the Missouri and Columbia rivers. At 3,700 miles long, it is the second longest national trail. Finishing up in Astoria, visitors can take a further look at the history of Lewis and Clark and Oregon itself at one of the many historic sites including Fort Clatsop, the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Fort Stevens State Park.
The long and dusty road
With promises of cheap land and a fresh start, thousands of settlers packed up their belongings and traveled west along the Oregon Trail. Nearly 2,200 miles long, the journey would take five months of brutal hardship through some of the most grueling terrain America has to offer. In fact, many never finished the journey, choosing to settle along the way.
The huge Conestoga wagons most used by the pioneers were not suitable for traveling across the prairies, so it was necessary to develop a new streamlined vehicle dubbed the Prairie Schooner. At half the size and weight of the Conestogas, these wagons made it possible for settlers to make the entire trip without being stranded.
The Oregon Trail was only in heavy use for 25 years due to the construction of the transcontinental railroad. Even so, he saw more than 300,000 travelers during his time. You can now travel by car along the Oregon National Historic Trail, much of which follows US Highway 26.
indian uprising
As settlers filled the land, taking over parcels that had value for cultivation, the traditional lands of the native Indians were under attack. Terrible crimes were committed against the Indians, from unfair treaties to the mass slaughter of those who did not yield to the approaching white treasure. Many Indian tribes were crammed into reservations that were too small to cope with their numbers, the terrible living conditions causing disease and decimating the population.
It is not surprising that some of these tribes rebel. One such group was the Modoc Indians. Leaving the reservation in which they were forced to live with their enemies, they tried to recover their territory. American soldiers went to retrieve the Indians, which started the Modoc War of 1872-1873. Ultimately, the Modoc Indians were captured and their leaders executed at Fort Klamath. Fort Klamath has been destroyed long ago, but the site has been opened as a museum and the tombs of the Modoc Chiefs still remain.
get shanghaied
A brutal practice, the capture and sale of men to serve as sailors was apparently in force in Portland, Oregon from 1850-1940. While it has not been fully proven when, where, and how these kidnappings occurred, it is a fact that the captains of the ships bound for the Orient bought men to serve as free labor for the voyage. Legend has it that Portland was one of the main sources of this type of cheap labor.
Beneath the city is a large series of bases interconnected by tunnels that are commonly known as the Shanghai Tunnels. Stretching from Old Town Portland to downtown Portland, these tunnels are suspected of being used to hold captured men and women, ready for sale. During the ban, bars moved their sales underground, making it even easier for unsuspecting people in the city of Shanghai. When visiting Portland, be sure to take a tour of the catacombs below the city and hear the stories of Shanghaiing. Let your eyes and ears decide how true this legend can be.
golden ghost towns
Between the harsh agricultural climate, the tumultuous turmoil of the transcontinental railroad, and the vagaries of the gold rush, it’s no wonder Oregon is home to dozens of ghost towns. An interesting place is Sumpter. Founded in 1862 by several men on their way to the California Gold Rush, it started out as nothing more than an old cabin. Because it was so remote, the town grew slowly, not even qualifying for a post office until 1874. As technology improved, making gold mining easier, the population increased. By 1900, the 35 gold mines in the area had brought in almost nine million dollars in gold. With a population of around 3,500, the city was booming.
This boom was not to last. On August 13, 1917, a terrible fire swept through Sumpter. With 100 buildings destroyed, people lost interest in the city and moved on to better digs. The gold was too deep for dredgers to dig up, making it easier to mine for gold elsewhere. In 1947 even the rail line to Sumpter was closed, sealing its fate.
In modern times, Sumpter has a new vision. Although the gold still remains deep in the bedrock, mining is no longer the primary interest. As a historic tourist attraction, the city now runs tours of the old dredger where the gold was mined, and even operates a narrow gauge railway where visitors can experience a steam engine ride through the area.
Explore
Wherever you look, Oregon is full of fascinating historical places. With its rich cultural heritage, you could spend years exploring the state and still find more to discover.