One year after the 13 colonies declared independence from the British Empire, the Spanish explored the Pacific Northwest by sea in 1777. Soon after, Spanish, British, and American explorers arrived in what would eventually be known as the “Oregon Territory." Both the UK and the Americans laid claim to the area.

In 1818, the British and Americans agreed to occupy the vast region of Oregon Country jointly.

1848 - Oregon Territory officially became a reality

Simply put, this was a vast area.

The Oregon Territory bordered California to the south and ran north into modern-day British Columbia up to the 54th parallel. Settlers living north of the Columbia River felt that postal and transportation services were lacking and wanted to separate and form their own territory.

The Settler’s des

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