55-612: The Territory of Oregon was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 14, 1848, until February 14, 1859, when the southwestern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Oregon . Originally claimed by several countries (see Oregon Country ), Spanish "El Orejón" was part of the Territorio de Nutca (1789–1795), later in the 19th century,
110-419: A poll tax of 50 cents for every qualified voter under age 60 was assessed and a graduated schedule of merchants' licenses established, ranging from the peddlar's rate of $ 10 per year to a $ 60 annual fee on firms with more than $ 20,000 of capital. Oregon City served as the seat of government from 1848 to 1851, followed by Salem from 1851 to 1855. Corvallis served briefly as the capital in 1855, followed by
165-481: A more complete list of regions and subdivisions of the United States used in modern times, see List of regions of the United States . † - indicates failed legal entities Unlike the land to the east, most of the land west of the Mississippi River was under French or Spanish rule until the first years of the 19th century. The following are state cessions made during the building of the U.S. The following
220-557: A permanent return to Salem later that year. In 1853, as a result of the Monticello Convention and its approval by Congress and President Millard Fillmore , the portion of the territory north of the lower Columbia River and north of the 46th parallel east of the river was organized into the Washington Territory . The Oregon Constitutional Convention was held in 1857 to draft a constitution in preparation for becoming
275-518: A result of the attempted secession of the Confederacy during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Some were enclaves within enemy-held territories: These were regions disassociated from neighboring areas due to opposing views: Belts are loosely defined sub-regions found throughout the United States that are named for a perceived commonality among the included areas, which is often related to
330-535: A route between Clackamas Community College on the south east end of Oregon City to Molalla, about 18 miles (29 km) south on Oregon Route 213. Canby Area Transit (CAT) operates regular service on Oregon Route 99E between the Oregon City Transit Center and Canby. SMART , South Metro Area Regional Transit, serving Wilsonville, connects to CAT in Canby. CAT also has service to Woodburn. Dial-a-Ride service
385-665: A state, with the convention delegates approving the document in September, and then general populace approving the document in November. In 1850, 10 years after the end of the Second Great Awakening (1790–1840), of the 9 churches with regular services in the Oregon Territory, 5 were Catholic , 1 was Baptist , 1 was Congregational , 1 was Methodist , and 1 was Presbyterian . In the 1850 United States census , 10 counties in
440-462: A vent 7.5 miles (12 km) to the southeast in the Boring Lava Field . For many years, Indian trails connected the two levels, but stairs were built in the 19th century. In 1915 the town built the water-powered Oregon City Municipal Elevator to connect the two parts, which was converted to electricity in the 1920s. In 1952, a new electric elevator was constructed with the specification that it
495-443: Is a list of the 31 U.S. territories that have become states, in the order of the date organized . (All were considered incorporated .) The following are land grants, cessions, defined districts (official or otherwise) or named settlements made within an area that was already part of a U.S. state or territory that did not involve international treaties or Native American cessions or land purchases. These entities were sometimes
550-544: Is along Beavercreek Road, south of Oregon City. Oregon City is served by Portland International Airport , 15 miles (24 km) to the north, and by Portland-Mulino Airport , a general-aviation facility in the town of Mulino , approximately 15 miles (24 km) to the south. The Willamette River in Oregon City is navigable to small craft, and Oregon City has a thriving fishing and recreational boating industry. The Willamette Falls Locks once allowed boats to navigate around
605-490: Is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature throughout the year is 55.4 °F (13.0 °C), with the highest average temperature in July and August being 70.8 °F (21.6 °C), and December being the coldest month with an average temperature of 41.8 °F (5.4 °C). The annual precipitation is 44.81 inches (1,138 mm). It is mainly concentrated in winter (November to March), and
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#1732837646561660-480: Is operated by TriMet, but CAT also operates within the Oregon City city limits for trips originating or terminating in the CAT service area. If transfers between TriMet and CAT are necessary, they are accomplished at the Oregon City Transit Center (OCTC) at 11th & Main, which is at the northeast end of the downtown area. As of the census of 2010, there were 31,859 people, 11,973 households, and 8,206 families residing in
715-639: Is served by the Oregon City School District , a public school district consisting of 7 elementary schools , two middle schools , a traditional four-year high school ( Oregon City High School ), and an alternative secondary school. Several schools in the district offer bilingual English / Spanish programs. Oregon City High School is the third most populated high school in Oregon, and is a state and national power in girls' basketball , winning three consecutive USA Today girls' national championships in
770-516: The forestry industry, until the decline of the Pacific Northwest lumber industry started in the 1980s. At its height, several mills operated in the city and surrounding communities. The last paper mill in the immediate vicinity closed in 2017. With the growth of the Portland Metro region, Oregon City has become largely a suburb of Portland. Tourism is a growing sector with the emphasis on
825-585: The 1830s. Some settlers also began arriving in the late 1830s, and covered wagons crossed the Oregon Trail beginning in 1841. At that time, the only governments that existed in the Oregon Country were the individual local Native Americans communities, as no one nation held dominion over the territory. A group of settlers in the Willamette Valley began meeting in 1841 to discuss organizing a government for
880-650: The 1990s. The city also is the home of Clackamas Community College , numerous private and parochial schools, and a public library that is part of the Library Information Network of Clackamas County . Museums include the Museum of the Oregon Territory and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, with costumed "living history" guides. The Clackamas County Historical Society archives, housed in
935-616: The Clackamas River, just east of the OR 99E bridge). In more recent years, the city operated a "historic trolley" service during the summer months, primarily to serve the needs of tourism, but the vehicles used were trolley-replica buses , rather than actual trolley cars, and in 2013 it was decided to discontinue that service and sell the vehicles. Two other public agencies provide transit service in Oregon City, supplementing that of TriMet. The South Clackamas Transportation District (SCTD) operates
990-485: The Museum of the Oregon Territory, also include the incorporation plat for the city of San Francisco . Clackamas Heritage Partners owns and operates these museums, along with the Stevens Crawford Museum. In 2009, Clackamas Heritage Partners announced that it could no longer afford to keep the museums open. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center was closed to the public indefinitely in September 2009;
1045-590: The Oregon Territory (7 counties in contemporary Oregon and 3 in contemporary Washington ) reported the following population counts: On February 14, 1859, the territory entered the Union as the U.S. state of Oregon within its current boundaries. The remaining eastern portion of the territory (the portions in present-day southern Idaho and western Wyoming) was added to the Washington Territory . 45°30′N 117°00′W / 45.5°N 117°W / 45.5; -117 Organized incorporated territory of
1100-414: The Stevens Crawford Museum and Museum of the Oregon Territory, staffed largely by volunteers, continued to operate on a limited schedule. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center eventually reopened during the summer of 2013 with the support of grants and donations from numerous sources. The Stevens-Crawford Heritage House Museum is a 1908 structure with 11 furnished rooms; exhibiting furniture from
1155-504: The Union. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, the region that became the Oregon Territory was explored by Europeans first by sea. The first documented voyage of exploration was made in 1777 by the Spanish, and both British and American vessels visited the region not long thereafter. Subsequent land-based exploration by Alexander Mackenzie and the Lewis and Clark Expedition and development of
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#17328376465611210-666: The United States The territory of the United States and its overseas possessions has evolved over time , from the colonial era to the present day. It includes formally organized territories, proposed and failed states, unrecognized breakaway states , international and interstate purchases, cessions , and land grants , and historical military departments and administrative districts. The last section lists informal regions from American vernacular geography known by popular nicknames and linked by geographical, cultural, or economic similarities, some of which are still in use today. For
1265-475: The United States originated in Oregon City in 1889, transmitting electricity 14 miles (23 km) to Portland. Oregon City has a Mediterranean climate ( Köppen Csb ). The Mediterranean climate regime resembles the climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, parts of western North America, parts of Western and South Australia, in southwestern South Africa and in parts of central Chile. The climate
1320-703: The Willamette River, built in 1922, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places , as is the Oregon City Municipal Elevator . Oregon City has over 22 city parks. One of the city's larger parks is Clackamette Park , at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers. The park's features include RV camping, a boat launch and dock, a skateboard park, and other recreational facilities. Several community festivals are held there throughout
1375-512: The area. These earliest documented discussions, mostly concerning forming a government, were held in an early pioneer and Native American encampment and later town known as Champoeg, Oregon . These first Champoeg Meetings eventually led to further discussions, and in 1843 the creation of the Provisional Government of Oregon . In 1846, the Oregon boundary dispute between the U.S. and Britain
1430-403: The average family size was 3.06. In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males. The median income for a household in the city
1485-775: The city's history and the major renovation of the Willamette Falls area into a public-access, mixed-use space through the Willamette Falls Legacy Project. Oregon City is governed by a Mayor and a City Commission composed of the Mayor and four Commissioners elected from the City at large for terms of four years each. Oregon City was the capital of the Oregon Territory until 1851; the following governors served during that time: The city, and several surrounding communities,
1540-426: The city. The population density was 3,520.3 inhabitants per square mile (1,359.2/km ). There were 12,900 housing units at an average density of 1,425.4 per square mile (550.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 91.1% White , 0.6% African American , 0.9% Native American , 1.7% Asian , 0.2% Pacific Islander , 2.3% from other races , and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.3% of
1595-416: The city. The population density was 3,163.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,221.6/km ). There were 10,110 housing units at an average density of 1,242.0 per square mile (479.5/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 92.44% White, 1.12% Asian, 1.08% Native American, 0.58% African American, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 2.15% from other races, and 2.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.98% of
1650-988: The collection of the Clackamas County Historical Society to replicate an Edwardian era home and Progressive Era narrative. Other historical buildings in Oregon City include the McLoughlin House , the Ermatinger House (oldest in Clackamas County), the Bank of Commerce Building , the Ainsworth House , the Harvey Cross House , the Oregon City Masonic Lodge , and the First Congregational Church . The Oregon City Bridge over
1705-541: The destination for those wanting to file land claims after traveling the Oregon Trail as the last stop on the trail. It was the capital of the Oregon Territory from its establishment in 1848 until 1851, and rivaled Portland for early supremacy in the area. In 1846, the city's newspaper, the Oregon Spectator , was the first American newspaper to be published west of the Rocky Mountains . Oregon City College
Oregon Territory - Misplaced Pages Continue
1760-561: The falls. The Clackamas River is not navigable, except for the lowermost portions. As part of the greater Portland metropolitan area , Oregon City is served by TriMet , the regional transit authority, with several bus lines which converge at the Oregon City Transit Center . Until 1958, an interurban trolley line operated by the now-defunct Portland Traction Company connected Oregon City with Portland; remnants of this line are still visible (such as an abandoned bridge across
1815-534: The fur trade in the region strengthened the competing claims of Great Britain and the United States. The competing interests of the two foremost claimants were addressed in the Treaty of 1818 , which sanctioned a "joint occupation", by British and Americans, of a vast " Oregon Country " (as the American side called it) that comprised the present-day U.S. states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, parts of Montana and Wyoming, and
1870-461: The larger Willamette to the north of the city. The Willamette forms the boundary between Oregon City and West Linn ; the Clackamas serves as the boundary between Oregon City and Gladstone . The Willamette Falls Locks in West Linn were the first multi-lift navigational locks in the United States and are now a National Historical Site, no longer in use. The first long-distance electrical service in
1925-571: The only governmental authority in the listed areas, although they often co-existed with civil governments in scarcely populated states and territories. Civilian administered "military" tracts, districts, departments, etc., will be listed elsewhere. During the American Civil War, the Department of the Pacific had six subordinate military districts: The Department of California (1858–1861) comprised
1980-442: The population. There were 11,973 households, of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.5% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
2035-406: The population. There were 9,471 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.0% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and
2090-535: The portion of what is now the Canadian province of British Columbia south of the parallel 54°40′ north. During the period of joint occupation, most activity in the region outside of the activities of the indigenous people came from the fur trade , which was dominated by the British Hudson's Bay Company . Over time, some trappers began to settle down in the area and began farming, and missionaries started to arrive in
2145-623: The precipitation in July and August is obviously much less than in other months. In terms of temperature, there are 122 days with temperatures exceeding 70 °F (21 °C) per year, 18 days with temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32 °C), and one high-temperature day exceeding 100 °F (38 °C). However, there is no more than one ice day with the maximum temperature below 32 °F (0 °C) per year. Extreme temperatures range from −2 °F (−19 °C) on January 31, 1950, to 114 °F (46 °C) on June 28, 2021 . For much of its existence, Oregon City's economy has been dominated by
2200-519: The region was divided between the British Empire and the US in 1846. When established, the territory encompassed an area that included the current states of Oregon, Washington , and Idaho , as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana . The capital of the territory was first Oregon City , then Salem , followed briefly by Corvallis , then back to Salem, which became the state capital upon Oregon's admission to
2255-621: The region's economy or climate. Oregon City, Oregon Oregon City is the county seat of Clackamas County, Oregon , United States, located on the Willamette River near the southern limits of the Portland metropolitan area . As of the 2020 census , the city population was 37,572. Established in 1829 by the Hudson's Bay Company , in 1844 it became the first U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated. Known in recent decades as
Oregon Territory - Misplaced Pages Continue
2310-566: The site of several large paper mills on the Willamette River , the city played a significant role in the early history of the Oregon Country . It was established by Hudson's Bay Company 's Dr. John McLoughlin in 1829 near the confluence of the Clackamas River with the Willamette to take advantage of the power of Willamette Falls to run a lumber mill . During the 1840s and 1850s it was
2365-640: The southern part of the Department of the Pacific: California, Nevada, and southern part of Oregon Territory; merged into the Department of the Pacific as the District of California. The Department of Oregon (1858–1861) comprised the northern part of the Department of the Pacific: Washington Territory and Oregon Territory. These "territories" had actual, functioning governments (recognized or not): These are functioning governments created as
2420-414: The southern parts of Oregon City. The Union Pacific Railroad mainline passes through the city. The city also has an Amtrak station , which is served twice daily in each direction by Amtrak Cascades trains running between Portland and Eugene, Oregon . The Coast Starlight (Seattle–Los Angeles) passes through but does not stop. There are no public airports within the city. A small private airfield
2475-420: The upper-chamber council and lower-chamber house of representatives filled by local elections held each year. Taxation took the form of an annual property tax of 0.25% for territorial purposes with an additional county tax not to exceed this amount. This tax was to be paid on all town lots and improvements, mills, carriages, clocks and watches, and livestock; farmland and farm products were not taxed. In addition,
2530-463: The western United States, when the diocese of Oregon City, established in 1846, was raised to metropolitan rank, with Archbishop François Norbert Blanchet as its ordinary . Its territory included all of the western United States. The population in the area of Oregon City declined due to the California Gold Rush . The population of nearby Portland grew, and the headquarters of the archdiocese
2585-424: The year. Other major parks include Chapin, Hillendale, Jon Storm Park , Rivercrest, and Wesley Lynn. Interstate 205 passes through the city's northern edge, and is the only freeway to serve the city. In addition, three state highways ( Oregon Route 43 , Oregon Route 99E , and Oregon Route 213 ) pass through or terminate in Oregon City. The former two serve the city's downtown core, the latter provides service to
2640-439: Was $ 45,531, and the median income for a family was $ 51,597. Males had a median income of $ 38,699 versus $ 29,547 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 19,870. About 6.5% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over. Oregon City has officially recognized neighborhood associations : In addition to John McLoughlin ,
2695-436: Was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.07. The median age in the city was 36.3 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.7% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.3% male and 50.7% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 25,754 people, 9,471 households, and 6,667 families residing in
2750-501: Was designated as the first capital. The territorial government consisted of a governor , a marshal, a secretary , an attorney, and a three-judge supreme court . Judges on the court also sat as trial level judges as they rode circuit across the territory. All of these offices were filled by appointment by the President of the United States. The two-chamber Oregon Territorial Legislature was responsible for passing laws, with seats in both
2805-497: Was established in 1849 as a Baptist school, but was defunct by the 1870s. Oregon City was the site of the Beaver Coins Mint, producing the short-lived independent Oregon Territory currency in 1849. The center of the city retains part of its historic character through the preservation of houses and other buildings from the era of the city's founding. The town became the see city of the first Roman Catholic archdiocese in
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#17328376465612860-399: Was moved there in 1926. In 1928 the name Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon replaced the former name. No longer a residential bishopric, Oregon City is now a titular see . The town is divided into upper and lower areas. The lower area is on a bench next to the Willamette River. The upper area is atop a bluff composed of Canemah basalt , which flowed about 2.5 million years ago from
2915-590: Was officially the Territory of Oregon. The Territory of Oregon originally encompassed all of the present-day states of Idaho , Oregon and Washington , as well as those parts of present-day Montana and Wyoming west of the Continental Divide . Its southern border was the 42nd parallel north (the boundary of the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819), and it extended north to the 49th parallel. Oregon City, Oregon ,
2970-694: Was settled with the signing of the Oregon Treaty . The United States federal government left their part of the region unorganized for two years until news of the Whitman massacre reached the United States Congress and helped to facilitate the organization of the region into a U.S. territory. On August 14, 1848, Congress passed the Act to Establish the Territorial Government of Oregon , which created what
3025-503: Was to be "as plain as possible and without ornament." According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 9.29 square miles (24.06 km ), of which 9.05 square miles (23.44 km ) is land and 0.24 square miles (0.62 km ) is water. The major waterways of Oregon City include the Willamette River , which flows along the northwest side of the city, and the Clackamas River , which merges with
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