Emmigration to Oregon began in the early 1800s with the arrival of explorers and fur traders. They were followed in the 1830s by missionaries who came to minister to the native population. By the 1840s, word of the opportunities in the Pacific Northwest had reached a peak, creating an emigration to Oregon that continues even today.
Many of the records that were created by these hardy pioneers have been preserved. Some have been transcribed and published, while others are maintained in various locations that allow access by the public.
Oregon Research Facilities:
Oregon State Archives is located at Summer Street, Salem, Oregon. and contains many original documents for viewing, including census, land, probate, marriage, birth, and circuit court records. The Archives also provides a view of Oregon and it's countys and citys in the Oregon Blue Book.
Oregon University Libraries offer a wealth of
genealogical and local historical information.
The Oregon State Library which is located in the State Library Building, on the corner of Summer & Court Sts. in Salem, OR 97310. maintains a Genealogy Room that is located on the second floor adjacent to the main library area. The library houses local newspapers on microfilm, census records, county publications and several databases and research CDs. Many of the books and microfilm can be obtained on interlibrary loan.
Oregon Historical Society Library , is located on the third floor at
1230 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205. It contains original
manuscripts, photographs, diaries as well as microfilm of newspapers,
census, etc. Some books may be obtained on interlibrary loan.
Original documents must be viewed on site.
The Genealogical Forum of Oregon 1505 SE Gideon Street, Portland, OR. [PO Box 42567, Portland, OR 97242-0567] contains many publications and early records, as well as microfilm of census information and newspapers. Publications may be checked out by members but are not available on interlibrary loan.
Oregon Research Online:
Heritage Trail Press is an excellent site that provides free access to the Oregon Death index as well as "for a fee" access to the actual images of Oregon church records, Oregon newspapers, Oregon Historical Maps and Atlas', The Oregon Department of Transportation Cemetery Survey, and various City Directories. A database search is provided.
University
of Oregon Newspaper Project lists the city, name of newspaper and
the time frame for the hundreds of Oregon newspapers in the collection
at the University of Oregon Knight Library
Oregon GenWeb provides individual county links for researching
your ancestor
A Place Called Oregon by Roxann Gess. Well worth the visit.
Talent, Jackson Co, OR provided by Talent Historical Society. Database containing an index of over 19,000 names that ties to information in their archives. Wonderful historic pictures.