Lewis and Clark Expedition
Historical marker location:
Corbett, Oregon
( Marker is on Rooster Rock Park (Interstate 84) near Interstate 84.)
- Rooster Rock -
A brief timeline of the Lewis and Clark Expedition
- 1803: President Thomas Jefferson commissions Meriwether Lewis, his personal secretary, to lead an expedition to explore the western territories of the United States and find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean.
- 1804: Lewis meets up with William Clark, a former army officer and experienced explorer, in Kentucky. They assemble a team of over 30 men and set out on the journey up the Missouri River.
- 1805: The expedition reaches the Rocky Mountains and crosses the Continental Divide. They build Fort Clatsop on the Pacific coast and spend the winter there, before returning east in the spring of 1806.
- 1806: Lewis and Clark split up to explore different routes on their way back to St. Louis. They reunite in September and return to civilization, where they are celebrated as national heroes.
- 1807: The Lewis and Clark Expedition publishes an official account of their journey, called the "History of the Expedition Under the Command of Captains Lewis and Clark," which becomes a bestseller and helps to promote westward expansion.
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About Multnomah County
Multnomah County Timeline
Multnomah County, located in the state of Oregon, has a diverse and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The region's first inhabitants were Native American tribes, predominantly the Multnomah and Clackamas people, who relied on the fertile natural resources of the area for their sustenance.
The arrival of European explorers in the late 18th century marked the beginning of significant changes for the region. In 1806, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark journeyed through the area while on their famous expedition. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent European settlement began. In 1843, a group of pioneers led by William Overton and Asa Lovejoy established the settlement of "Stumptown" on the banks of the Willamette River, which would later become Portland, the county seat of Multnomah County.
As Portland grew, Multnomah County was officially established in 1854, named after the Native American tribe that had originally inhabited the area. The county quickly became a hub of economic activity, predominantly due to its strategic location and accessibility to the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia River. Rapid industrialization followed, fueled by the timber, shipping, and manufacturing sectors that thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout its history, Multnomah County has also been shaped by significant social and cultural movements. In the late 19th century, Portland became known as a progressive city, advocating for women's suffrage, environmental conservation, and workers' rights. The county was also deeply impacted by the forced removal of Native American tribes due to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, leading to significant changes in the region's demographics and culture.
Today, Multnomah County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Oregon. It is home to a diverse population and continues to be an important economic and cultural center in the Pacific Northwest. The county's rich history, from its Native American roots to its prominent role in the development of the region, contributes to its unique identity and ongoing growth.
The arrival of European explorers in the late 18th century marked the beginning of significant changes for the region. In 1806, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark journeyed through the area while on their famous expedition. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent European settlement began. In 1843, a group of pioneers led by William Overton and Asa Lovejoy established the settlement of "Stumptown" on the banks of the Willamette River, which would later become Portland, the county seat of Multnomah County.
As Portland grew, Multnomah County was officially established in 1854, named after the Native American tribe that had originally inhabited the area. The county quickly became a hub of economic activity, predominantly due to its strategic location and accessibility to the Pacific Ocean via the Columbia River. Rapid industrialization followed, fueled by the timber, shipping, and manufacturing sectors that thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Throughout its history, Multnomah County has also been shaped by significant social and cultural movements. In the late 19th century, Portland became known as a progressive city, advocating for women's suffrage, environmental conservation, and workers' rights. The county was also deeply impacted by the forced removal of Native American tribes due to the Indian Removal Act of 1830, leading to significant changes in the region's demographics and culture.
Today, Multnomah County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Oregon. It is home to a diverse population and continues to be an important economic and cultural center in the Pacific Northwest. The county's rich history, from its Native American roots to its prominent role in the development of the region, contributes to its unique identity and ongoing growth.
Multnomah County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Multnomah County, Oregon.
- 1854 - Multnomah County is officially created on December 22, 1854.
- 1855 - East Portland is established as a separate city from Portland.
- 1874 - The city of East Portland is annexed by Portland, merging the two cities together.
- 1914 - The historic Burnside Bridge in Portland is completed, connecting downtown Portland with the Eastside.
- 1950 - The population of Multnomah County reaches over 400,000.
- 1975 - The Oregon Convention Center is opened in Portland.
- 1986 - The first light rail line, MAX Blue Line, begins operating in Multnomah County.
- 2014 - The Sellwood Bridge, a major transportation artery in the county, is replaced by a new bridge.
- 2017 - The Multnomah County Library system celebrates its 150th anniversary.
- 2019 - The population of Multnomah County exceeds 800,000.