USA > Oregon > Multnomah County > Portland > History of Portland, Oregon : with illustrations and biographical sketches of prominent citizens and pioneers > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69
uc 979.502 F83s 1142490
M. I.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01717 3052
7
7
lav 20, 1902
HISTORY
OF
PORTLAND
OREGON
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS AND PIONEERS
EDITED BY
H. W. SCOTT
SYRACUSE, N. Y. D. MASON & CO., PUBLISHERS 1890
PRESS OF F W BALTES AND COMPANY, 2& OAK STREET. PORTLAND, OREGON.
PREFACE. 1142490
Hitherto there has been no attempt to write a History of Portland. Slight sketches of the history of the city have, indeed, been written, but nothing that answers to the importance of the subject has here- tofore been undertaken. For conception and execution of the present work the city is indebted to D. Mason & Co., a firm of enter- prising publishers of Syracuse, New York. Learning that no general history of Portland had yet appeared, these publishers offered to undertake the work and to collect the materials for it. Aware, how- ever, that it was necessary that these materials should be subjected to local editorial supervision, they requested me to performn that duty. Though my own daily employments were very exacting, I consented to do so. The result is now submitted to the public.
My own work therefore has been that of editor rather than author. Some parts of the book I have written, and all of it, except portions of the biographical matter, I have revised with as much diligence as possible. Yet I cannot hope that the book is free from errors. Much has been handed down from memory, and inaccuracies therefore are unavoidable.
Acknowledgments are due chiefly to O. F. Vedder, H. S. Lyman and C. H. Carey for the matter of this volume. All these have worked diligently in collection and preparation of the materials. The bio- graphical matter has been contributed by many hands, and Mr. Vedder has bestowed much labor upon it. The special work of Mr. Carey is the important and exhaustive chapter on "Bench and Bar". Mr,
6
PREFACE.
Lyman's work runs through a large part of the historical matter. The first chapter, which is devoted to the "Early History of Oregon", an excellent specimen of condensed historical writing, is chiefly by Mr. Vedder.
In preparation of a work of this kind it is easy to realize how mmuch matter that we would have been glad to obtain has now forever escaped even the most active and diligent research. Yet a paragraph at the close of the history may be properly repeated here, namely; "This history of Portland is the product of research and labor extended in all directions that promised results; it is probably as complete as any that is likely to be prepared, and yet not so complete by any means as it would be, were it practicable to gather, to sift and to compare all facts of interest that are yet retained in the memory of living persons or set down in documents remaining in private hands. Unfortunately, the mass of these materials is beyond the reach of those who undertake to prepare a work like this, and writers or editor must be content with such records and recollections as can be gathered by diligence, through knowing that more has been missed than obtained."
Vet it is believed that we have here a history sufficiently full and accurate for preservation to future times of an intelligible account of the origin of Portland and of its growth to the proportions of a city.
H. W. ScorT.
PORTLAND, June 1st, 1890.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
LEADING EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF OREGON FROM THE EARLIEST EXPLORATION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT.
Voyages and Discoveries Along the North Pacific Coast-Conflicting Claims of Various Nations to the Country- Expeditions of Lewis and Clarke- Contest for Possession of the Country-Early Settlements-Efforts of Americans to Establish Trading Posts-John Jacob Astor and Astoria Growth. Power and Purposes of British Fur Companies-Period of Joint Occupancy of the Territory-Oregon in Control of Hudson's Bay Com- pany-Efforts to Secure American Settlers-Labors of Bonneville, W'yeth and Kelley-Advent of the Missionaries-Their Influence in Be- half of American Interests-Arrival of the Home Builders- Establish- ment of a Civil Government-Value of the Labor of the Oregon Pio- neers-Creation of Oregon Territory.
15
CHAPTER II.
POSITION AND ADVANTAGES OF PORTLAND.
The Modern City-AA More Perfect Adaptation to Human Wants-Value of the Records of Such a City as Portland-Geographical Position-At the In- tersection of the Great Natural Lines of Travel and Commerce of the Northwest Pacific Coast-Topography-Extent and Beauty of Surface- Natural Advantages for Commerce, for Manufacturing, for Residence- The Natural Center of the North Pacific Coast.
53
S.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IN.
SETTLEMENT AND EARLY TIMES.
Portland Antedated by other Cities on the Willamette and Columbia- Efforts to F'und a Commercial Center- William Overton the First Owner-Gen. \ 1 .. Lovejoy Francis W. Pettygrove-The First Cabin-Name Be- stowed Site Matted Damel H. Lownsdale Stephen Coffin - William W' Chapman-Depletion by the Rush to the Gold Fields Return of Pioneers - New Comers-Improvements-First Newspaper-Opening of the Plank Road Purchase of the Steamship Gold Hunter- List of the Business Houses and of Residences Prior to 1851
77
CHAPTER I.
I.AND TITLE CONTROVERSIES.
Measures Taken by Proprietors to Protect Land Purchasers' Rights-The Three Causes of Litigation - Legal Points in the Stark vs. Starr Case - Decision of the Courts Causes of Litigation Over the Lownsdale Estate Final Settlement of the Case in the I'nited States Circuit Court- Decision of Judge Sawyer and Concurrent Opinion of Judge Deady -- Public Levee Case -Grounds of Private and Municipal Claims to the Kiver Front How the City's Rights were Lost Legal History of the Caruthers' Claim
117
CHAPTER V.
GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENTS.
Appearance of the City in 1850-The First Brick Building-Brick Buildings Erected from 1550 to 1860 List of Buildings in 1855-Portland Dur- ing the Indian War of 1855 and '56 Rapid Growth in 1862- Increase in Population and Wealth -Improvement and Growth from Year to Year Present Development and Importance of Portland .. 139
CHAPTER VI CITY CHARTER GOVERNMENT AND MAYORS.
Charter of 1951 Its Provisions and Amendments Charter of 1872 Charter of 1:4" Police Department Fire Department Health Department Water Works Public Hillings Thographical Sketches of Mayors List of City Officials from 1851 to 1590
176
9
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
COMMERCE.
Primitive Commerce-Commercial Operations of Hudson's Bay Company- Trade Enterprises of Hall J. Kelley, Nathaniel J. Wyeth and Nathanial Crosby-Period of Commercial Adventurers -- Discovery of Gold and its Effects on Commerce-Early Trade in Lumber-Portland a Market for Oregon Produce Early Sailing Vessels Which Visited Portland -- Beginning of Steam Navigation-Character and Value of Portland's Exports from 1855 to 1865-Steamships Running to Portland from 1864 to 1869 -- Value of Portland's Exports in 1866 and 1867-Meas- ures Which Seenred Portland's Commercial Independence-Growth of Foreign Commerce-Trade Statistics for 1870-Period of Business Depression -- Commercial Growth and Development During Recent Years-Present Character and Condition of Portland's Commerce .....
CHAPTER VIII. RIVER NAVIGATION.
Oregon Pioneer Ship Builders and River Navigators-Col. Nesmith's Account of Early Navigation on the Columbia and Willamette-Judge Strong's Review of the Growth and Development of Oregon Steamship Compan- ies-Names and Character of Early Steamships and the Men Who Ran Them -- List of the Steamers Built by the Peoples' Transportation, Ore- gon Steam Navigation and Oregon Railway and Navigation Com- panies-Independent Vessels and Their Owners ..
CHAPTER IX. RAILROADS.
l'ortland's Advantages as a Railroad Center-Early Struggles for a Railroad -Curious Features of the Contest-Labors of Simon G. Elliott, George H. Belden, Col. Charles Belden and Joseph Gaston-First Survey by Barry and Gaston-Report by Col. Barry-Provisions of the First Railroad Bill Passed by the Oregon Legislature and United States Congress-The Importance of Provisions Suggested by Col. W. W. Chapman-Organization of the First Railroad Company in Oregon -- Formation of a Rival Company-Contest over the Land Grant-Inter- esting Ceremonies in Connection with Commencement of Construction of the West Side Road-Progress of the Work-Bitter Warfare between the Two Companies -The Fight Carried into the Courts-The Legal Aspect of the Contest . Advent of Ben Holladay- His Character and Methods -- Efforts to Build to the Atlantic States-Labors of Col. Chap- man-Henry Villard and the Northern Pacific-The Southern Pacific -- Prominent Railroad Managers of Portland -- The Narrow Gauge System
212
248
261
10
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER N.
MANUFACTURING.
Conditions Which Cause the Growth of Manufacturing at Portland - Charac- ter of Early Manufactures Present Condition and Magnitude of Man- ufacturing Enterprises of Portland
299
CHAPTER XI.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
Oregon Under Canadian Laws-Efforts of the American Settlers to Organize a Judiciary -Peculiar and Comical Features of their Proceedings -- The first Judiciary System- Re-organization of the Judiciary by the Provi- sional legislature of 1845 Early Judges and Attorneys Manner of Adopting the Laws of lowa Status of the Courts Prior to Territorial Government- First Court House at Portland- - Establishment of Office of Recorder, and Other City Judicial Offices List of Recorders, City Attorneys, Police Judges and Justices of Peace-Re-organization of the Judicial System after the Creation of Oregon Territory Incidents in the Administration of Justice During Territorial Period-First term of the Supreme Court Organization of Multnomah County Court-Sketches of Leading Attorneys of Portland Prior to 1855 -Interesting Cases be- fore the Supreme Court Organization of the United States District Court Portland Attorneys after the Admission of Oregon as a State Re organization of the Judicial System of the State in 1878 Judges who have Served in Portland and Multnomah County Courts-Cases of Historic Importance Tried Before Portland Courts United States vs. Randall-The Holladay Cases List of Attorneys Who Have Practiced at the Portland Bar
308
CHAPTER XH.
CHURCHES, BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS AND HOSPITALS.
Methodist. Cathode, Congregational, Episcopal. Baptist, Presbyterian, Jew- ish. Fintarian. Lutheran, German Reformed and Christian Churches Ladies' Rehet Society -Children's Home German Benevolent . Isso caution Boys' and Carls' And Society City Board of Charities Portland Woman's I'mon -Kindergarten Association Oregon Humane Somsets Portland Seaman's Friend Society -St. Vincent's Hospital Conel Samaritan Hospital Portland Hospital 344
11
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
First Schools in Portland and their Conductors-Early Advocates of Free Schools-Growth and Development of the System-Central School- Park School-Harrison Street School - Atkinson School-High School Couch and Failing Schools-Course of Study Pursued in Public Schools-Plan and System of Management-Names of Teachers-City School Officers from 1856 to 1890-Portland Academy and Female Institute -St. Mary's Academy-Bishop Scott Academy-St. Helen's Hall-St. Michael's College-Independent German School-Interna- tional Academy - Medical Colleges- Business Colleges.
379
CHAPTER XIV.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
Early Banks-Causes Which Stimulated the Growth of Banking Interests -- Financial Condition of Portland Banks-Ladd & Tilton -First National Bank- Bank of British Columbia-Oregon and Washington Mortgage Bank-Portland Savings' Bank-London and San Francisco Bank- Merchants' National Bank-Oregon National Bank-Portland National Bank-Ainsworth National Bank-Commercial National Bank-North- west Loan and Trust Company-Portland Trust Company-Northwest Fire and Marine Insurance Company-Pacific Fire Insurance Company
403
CHAPTER AV.
THE PRESS.
Early Efforts to Start a Newspaper -- Growth and Progress of the Oregonian- The Evening Telegram-The Western Star-Democratic Standard -- Portland Daily News-Pacific Christian Advocate-Daily Evening Tribune Oregon Herald-Portland Daily Bulletin-Daily Bee-Daily Evening Journal-Evening Post-Northwest News-Oregon Deutsch Zeitung-Staats Zeitung-Freie Press-List of Newspapers which Appeared from 1870 to 1880-Catholie Sentinel -- The New Northwest --- Portland Journal of Commerce-North Pacific Rural Spirit-East Portland Papers-The West Shore-Sunday Mercury-Sunday W'el- come-Pacifie Express-Oregon Times-The World-Newspaper Mor- tuary Record from 1880 to 1890.
413
12
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY.
Present Appearance of Portland - View from River and Hills -Prominent Buildings Character of Streets Albina Parks-Exposition Building Chinese Quarters-Hotel Portland-Kast Portland -Cemeteries- Casualties of Nature Floods and Fires 426
CHAPTER XVII.
SOCIAL FEATURES AND NOTED PUBLIC EVENTS.
The Cosmopolitan Character of Portland- Changing Character of its Early Population Their Vices and Habits-Moral and Social Conditions of Early Days-General Stability of Present Society-Culture and Refine- ment of the People-Public Amusements-Excursions, Public Festiv- ities and Celebrations - Events Connected with Celebration of the Completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad.
CHAPTER XVIII. MEN OF PORTLAND. till
Biographieal Sketches of Prominent Citizen-
451
13
CONTENTS.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Alisky, C. A. . facing 560
Bellinger, Charles B. .facing 322
Mackenzie, Dr. K. A. J facing 616
Bronough, Earl C ..
facing 548
Macleay, Donald facing 436
Chapman, Col. W. W facing 22
Mallory. Rufus facing 388
Corbett, Henry W. facing 58
Markle, George B facing 630
Coulter, Samuel. facing 400
Marquam, P. A facing 190
. Deady, Matthew P .facing 70
Mitchell, Jolın H facing 262
Dekum, Frank facing 202
Montgomery, J. B facing 448
De Lashmutt, Van B. facing +10
Moreland. J C ... facing 334
Dodd, Charles H. facing 424
Morey, P. F facing 554
Dolph, Cyrus A
. facing 342
Noon, W. C .... facing 586
Dudley, W. L . facing 622
Northrup, E. J. facing 354
Durand, E ...
facing 637
Northup, Henry H. facing 498
Earhart, Rockey I'.
facing 484
Oatmian, Harrison B facing 460
· Failing, Henry
facing 118
Reed, S. G ..... facing 130
Reid, William. . facing 612
Saylor, Dr. W. H
facing 568
Glisan, Dr. Rodney facing 286
Scott, Harvey W ..
facing 154
· Green, Henry I).
facing 250
Smith, J. S.
facing 106 .
Smith, Charles J.
facing 576
Henrichsen, L. C .. . facing 588
Hirsch, Solomon facing 166
Staver, George W facing 634
Steel, George A.
facing 476
Holmes, Thomas J
facing 366
Steel, James.
facing 298
Jacobs, R.
facing 542
Jeffery, Edward J
facing 490
. Johnson, A. H
facing 562
Therkelsen, L. W facing 584
Thompson, II. Y facing 534
Kamm, Jacob. facing 528
Weinhard, Henry. facing 638
Kelly, James K facing 178
Wiberg, Charles M. facing 514 .
Killin, Benton. facing 566
Williams, George H facing 82
Klosterman, John facing 572
Williams, Richard facing 310
Ladd, W. S. facing 46
Woodward, Tyler facing 468
Lotan, James. facing 570
Lownsdale, D. H
facing 34
Zan, Frank .
facing 600
· Fleischner, Lewis facing 214
Gill, J. K .. facing 506
. Hawthorne, Dr. J. C facing 274
Spaulding, W. W facing 520
Holman, J. D facing 142
Strong, William facing 94 .
Strowbridge, J. A .facing 238
Jones, Dr. Henry F. facing 376
Lownsdale, J. P. () ... facing 226 .
14
CONTENTS.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Alisky, C. A.
560
Macleay, Donald 531
Bellinger, Charles B
518
Mallory. Rufus 6OG
Brant, John ....
619
Markle, George B . .
629
Bronongh, Earl C
547
Marquam. P. V
591
Chapman, Col. W. W.
Mitchell, John Il
. 537
Corbett, Henry W
154
Montgomery. J. B ...
. 543
Coulter, Samuel 582
Moreland, J. C ....
575
Deady, Matthew P'.
493
Morey, P. F
631
Dekum, Frank
545
Mulkey, F. MI
. 626
De Lashmutt. Van B.
533
Noon, W. C
623
Dolph, Cyrus .A ....
524
Northup. Henry HI
573
Dudley. W. I ... ..
623
Oatman, Harrison B. . .
617
Durand. E
637
Reed S. G
526
Earhart, Rockey P
558
Reid William
612
l'ailing, Henry
521
Saylor. Dr. W. H
Fleischner. Lewis
553
Scott, Harvey W
649
Gill, J. K
625
Shattuck. Erasmus 1)
514
Glisan, Dr. Rodney
516
Smith. J. S
549
Green, Henry 1)
535
Smith, Chark- J ....
628
Henrichsen, L. C
Staver, George W
634
Ilirsch, Solomon
511
Steel, George 1
621
lohman, J. D
599
Steel, James
609
Holmes, Thomas J
557
Strong, Win
499
Jeffery, Edward J .
577
Strow bridge. J. 1
551
Jones, Dr Henry E
GO2
Therkelsen. L .. W
585
Kamm, Jacob ....
638
Thompson, H. V
579
Kelly, James K
528
Weinhard, Heury ....
636
Kıllin, Benton. .
Whalley, John William
564
Klosterman, John
572
Wiberg, Charles MI
584
Lotan, James
570
Williams, Richard
641
Lownadfale, D. 11 ..
197
Woodward, John Henry
lownsdale, J P. O
525
Woodward. Tyler
589
Mackenzie, Dr. K. A J.
615
Zan, Frank
Johnson, \. 11.
562
Thayer, William Wallace .. 541
Williams, George 11
507
Hawthorne, Dr. J. C
555
Spaulding. W W
Dexld, Charles 11
594
Northrup, E. J
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
CHAPTER I.
LEADING EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF OREGON FROM THE EARLIEST EXPLORATION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT.
Voyages and Discoveries Along the North Pacific Coast-Conflicting Claims of Various Nations to the Country-Expeditions of Lewis and Clarke-Contest for Pos- session of the Country-Early Settlements-Efforts of Americans to Establish Trad- ing Posts-Jolin Jacob Astor and Astoria-Growth, Power and Purposes of Britishi Fur Companies-Period of Joint Occupancy of the Territory-Oregon in Control of Hudson's Bay Company-Efforts to Secure American Settlers-Labors of Bonneville. Wyeth and Kelley-Advent of the Missionaries-Their Influence in Behalf of American Interests-Arrival of the Home Builders-Establishment of a Civil Gov- ernment -- Value of the Labor of the Oregon Pioneers-Creation of Oregon Territory.
BEFORE the first white settler had sought to secure a habitation in the forest which marked the site of the present city of Port- land, the region of which it is now the commercial center had passed through the most interesting period of its liistory. The pro- gress of civilization in this portion of the New World, covering a period of nearly half a century ante-dating the founding of the city, after many heroic sacrifices and struggles, had led to the peaceful conquest of a vast area and to the establishment of American supremacy. The successive steps which contributed to these results give to this region a unique place in our national annals, and it seems proper that a brief historical review of the period should pre- cede the story of the city whose foundations were laid after the self- denial, energy and endurance of many men and women had opened the forest to the sunlight, and brought the country bordering on the Pacific under the influence of American institutions. [2]
16
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
When a little more than a century ago the United States sprang into being as a nation, Oregon was known in name only, and that name was applied simply to a great river, which, from vague and indefinite reports, obtained from Indians and Spanish navigators, was said to flow westward from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. This river was known to Americans and Englishmen as the Oregon or River of the West, while the Spaniards called it variously Rio de Aguilar and Rio de las Reyes. At this time, the country north of California had no name by which it was distinctively known, and there is no certain record that any civilized man had ever placed foot on the soil of either Oregon or Washington. The North Pacific coast, however, had been visited as early as 1535 by a Spanish naval explorer, and from that time between long intervals down to the beginning of the present century, other Spanish, Por- tugese, English and French navigators had sailed along the Pacific Coast, but the information they obtained was of the most vague and uncertain character.
It was left for an American to give the first information of value concerning the country north of California. This was Captain Rob- ert Gray who, in May, 1792, in the American ship Columbia, dis- covered and entered the River of the West, which he ascended some twenty-five miles, bestowing on it the name of his vessel. This was the first discovery of the river and according to the custom of nations was a strong element in the title of the United States to all the country drained by it. A few weeks later Captain George Vancou- ver, in command of an English exploring expedition, having heard of Captain Gray's discovery, appeared at the mouth of the river, and sent one of his vessels, the Chatham, under the command of Lieutenant W. R. Broughton, into the river, and this officer ascended the river in a boat a distance of one hundred and twenty miles. The same year, Alexander Mackenzie, a member of the Northwest Company-a Canadian fur company-made the first overland jour- ney from the East to the Pacific, reaching the ocean on the present coast of British Columbia. He discovered Fraser River, down which he passed in canoes a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. Upon his return home, learning that the Columbia had been discovered,
,
17
EARLY HISTORY OF OREGON.
he supposed that the large river which he had followed so far southward must be that great stream. This error was not corrected until twenty years later, and the stream was thien named in honor of Simon Fraser, who, in 1805, had established a post in that region for the Northwest Company.
These various sea and land explorations liad proved three very important facts: First, that there was no water passage for vessels across the continent. Second: that by following the courses of streams and lakes, the overland journey could be nearly accom- plished in boats. Third: that this vast unexplored region abounded in fur-bearing animals, a fact which led in a few years to its occu- pation by rival fur traders, both English and American.
At the beginning of the present century the territorial claims of the various nations to the Pacific Coast were exceedingly conflicting. Russia alone had a valid claim to Alaska, botlı by discovery and oc- cupation, although no definite southern boundary had been fixed. Spain's claim to California was also undisputed, extending to the forty-second parallel. Between these two, England and Spain claimed title by right of discovery only, while the United States by reason of Gray's discovery of the Columbia, had laid the foundation for a claim to the whole region drained by that mighty river, a claim as yet unasserted, but which was pressed with innch vigor a few years later. Besides these discovery rights, the Louisiana Prov- ince, which France had transferred to Spain in 1792 was construed by its possessor, or more accurately speaking, its technical claimant, to cover the whole region west of the Mississippi not claimed by the same nations as portions of Mexico and California. This title was reconveyed to France in 1800, thus putting that nation again in the field as a claimant of territory in the western portions of North America.
President Jefferson gave the first impulse to the movement to ex- plore and perfect the title of the United States government in the re- gion drained by the Columbia. He had been at Versailles when John Ledyard, who had accompanied Captain Cook's expedition in 1780 attempted to interest American and French capitalists in the Pacific fur trade. Jefferson, with his profound sagacity, became deeply
18
HISTORY OF PORTLAND.
interested in the brilliant pictures of the wealth of this region as related by Ledyard, and he naturally preferred that to his own country should fall so magnificent an inheritance. Upon his return to Amer- ica, in 1792, he endeavored to interest his countrymen in the project, but the United States were then perfecting their government and the regulations of national affairs required immediate and careful at- tention. Thus engrossed with great political questions, more than a clecade passed before the people began to think of future acquisition of territory. When Jefferson became president in 1801, he had lost none of his former interest in the northwest territory and was more than ever convinced of the expediency of making explorations in the remote west, and of obtaining more valid claim to the region than then existed. Under his administration was negotiated, in 1803. the purchase from France of Louisiana and all of the territorial rights of that nation in North America. It is questionable, however, whether the French title added much strength to the claim of the United States to that region bordering on the Columbia River. From the Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains it was good enough as far north as the headwaters of the Mississippi, but west of the conti- mental divide, the French claim rested upon the uncertain plea of "contiguity." This, however, the successors to the French claim made the most of in the subsequent controversy with Great Britain.
Immediately after the purchase of Louisiana, Congress, at the ur- gent request of President Jefferson, dispatched an exploring expe- dition under the command of Captain Meriwether Lewis and Cap- tain William Clark. They left St. Louis in 1804 and returned in 1806, having twice traversed the distance between that city and the month of the Columbia. The result of their explorations had been awaited with much anxiety, and their return caused great rejoicing. " Never," says Mr. Jefferson, " did a similar event excite more joy throughout the United States. The humblest of its citizens had taken a lively interest in the issue of this journey and looked for- ward with impatience to the information it would bring." The journal of these explorers was soon published and widely read and for the first time something definite was known of the character of the country and the native tribes occupying it. The interest it awakened,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.