Welcome to the Oregon Encyclopedia.

Explore Oregon's history and culture — from Athapaskan Indians to Zigzag Ranger Station

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Feeling adventurous? How Oregonian of you.

Or may we suggest…

Explore OHS Digital History Projects

  • Wayfinder

    An interactive map of notable places, people, and events in Oregon history.

  • Oregon History Project

    The Research Library at the Oregon Historical Society provides direct access to digitized and digital materials as well as narratives from Pacific Northwest historians.

This Just In

New Entries

"We could see the top of one hill and think that was the last. But when we gained that, others kept rising before us. To look back, in retreat, seemed utterly out of the question. To look forward was to look directly upwards, as the ascent seemed almost perpendicular." Harriet Hitchcock, 13, 1865, Oregon Trail

Read more New Entries
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The OE is Green!

Our editorial process is completely paperless — authors and editors use a one-of-a-kind online workshop developed by Portland State University. We've published hundreds of authoritative entries on Oregon history and culture without hurting a single Douglas Fir. Donate your green to The OE and keep us — and the trees — growing.

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Additional Funding

  • This project has been funded in part by the Oregon Heritage Commission and the Oregon Cultural Trust

  • LSTA Libraries as Community Resources Meetings is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.