Oregon

You’ll encounter the changes that came as European settlers made claims to the land, often without regard for the original inhabitants. And you’ll follow the story of this state that makes it a study in contrasts – racially, environmentally, and socially. Throughout are loads of images of primary source documents along with quotations from people who lived the history.

Here to explore are highlights of Oregon’s story beginning with its original inhabitants – where and how they lived­ – the Lewis and Clark expedition, and Oregon’s path to statehood. Here, also, you can take a deep dive into the darker side of the state’s history, such as the removal of its Indigenous populations to reservations, its constitutional exclusion of people of color, and its detainment camps for citizens of Japanese descent during World War II. You can also explore Oregonians’ soaring contributions to the United States’ war efforts during the 20th century, including teenagers who joined the army during World War II when they became stranded in Hawaii, and the civilians who stood watch over our western skies for an enemy invasion. Here, too, is a 21st-century celebration of Oregon’s original inhabitants and a look at its state and local government.