Oregon City in Clackamas County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Oregon City

Oregon History

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

1. Oregon City Marker

Inscription.
Oregon City - supply point for pioneer emigrants was first located as a claim by Dr. John McLoughlin in 1829. The first provisional legislature of the Oregon Country was held here in 1843 and land and tax laws formulated. Oregon City was the capital of the Oregon Territory from 1845-1852. The first Protestant church (Methodist) west of the Rocky Mountains was dedicated in 1844 and the first newspaper (Oregon Spectator) and the first Masonic Lodge were established in 1846. (Marker Number M11.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. 45° 21.118′ N, 122° 36.851′ W. Marker is in Oregon City, Oregon, in Clackamas County. It is on McLoughlin Boulevard (Oregon Route 99) near S. 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south. In the parking area overlooking Willamette Falls. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oregon City OR 97045, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Willamette Valley

and in Greater Portland Area.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Cascade Range,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Oregon City Falls (here, next to this marker); Willamette Falls Legacy Project (here, next to this marker); Peter Skene Ogden House (a few steps from this marker); Dr. John McLoughlin (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Larry G. Dahl (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Explosion of Steamer Gazelle (about 800 feet away); John Myers Building (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oregon City.

Also see . . .
1. Oregon City. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 28, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

2. John McLoughlin (1784-1857). Oregon Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on January 28, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

3. McLoughlin Memorial Association. Website homepage (Submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Oregon City Marker and Willamette Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

2. Oregon City Marker and Willamette Falls

Oregon City Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., June 14, 2008

3. Oregon City Mural

Oregon History Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

4. Oregon History Marker

The marker is located in the scenic viewing area for Willamette Falls.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

5. Oregon History Marker

The reverse side of this Oregon history marker includes information about the nearby Willamette Falls.

Willamette Falls image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, October 19, 2023

6. Willamette Falls

The marker overlooks Willamette Falls, the original name of Oregon City.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,830 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 1, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 10, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York.