Early Oregon and Settlement of Newberg

Pacific Northwest & Oregon, 1500 – 1885

1500s

Several epidemics reach the Northwest from the “Columbian Exchange.”

1792

Captain Robert Gray makes first American claim to Oregon Territory, and names Columbia River after his vessel, Columbia Redivia. River known as Wimhal by the Chinook.

1805

Lewis & Clark arrive.

1811

John Jacob Astor establishes post of Pacific Fur Company in what will become Astoria, Oregon.

1829

Hudson Bay Company (HBC) negotiates peace treaty with Chinook for fur trade.

1830-1833

Malaria outbreak kills at least 90% of the native population.

1841-1869

45,000 settlers arrive on the Oregon Trail.

1850

Donation Land Claim Act (Oregon Land Law), where the Federal Government pledges 320 acres to each individual settler and 640 acres to a married couple. The discovery of gold in the Rogue River Valley prompts many more settlers to arrive.

1850s

Several Treaties between the Federal Government and Individual Tribes are ratified, conceding most Native Lands to the Federal Government.

1856

Forced removals to Grand Ronde begin, and Fort Yamhill is established.

1857

President Buchanan establishes Grand Ronde Reservation by Executive Order.

1859

Oregon becomes a State.

1869

First train arrives in Portland, Oregon.

1881

Jesse Edwards builds what is now the museum house.

1885

Dr. John Henry Minthorn purchases the house from Mr. Edwards and becomes the head of Friends Pacific Academy.

Museum House Built by
Jesse Edwards 1881

Edward’s house was typical of regional architecture at the time, and ambitious in design for early Newberg. The house is Italianate in its overall design, with intricate brackets placed under the oversized eaves which help protect the house from Oregon’s rainfall. The museum house is the oldest standing house in Newberg.

Image Source: Oregon Historical Society