Oregon Trail Begins Major Migration
Year: 1840
Location: United States
Increased migration westward along the Oregon Trail begins, impacting the Willamette Valley and Marion County....
Read MoreSamuel Colt patents revolving cylinder
Year: 1840
Location: United States
Samuel Colt receives a patent for his revolving cylinder pistol....
Read More
William Henry Harrison Elected President
Year: 1840
Location: United States
William Henry Harrison is elected as the 9th President of the United States...
Read More
William Henry Harrison dies in office, John Tyler becomes President
Year: 1841
Location: United States
After the shortest Presidency in U.S. History (32 days) William Henry Harrison dies in office, John Tyler becomes president....
Read MoreBidwell-Bartleson Party's wagon train
Year: 1841
Location: United States
The first organized wagon train, the Bidwell-Bartleson Party, reaches California, with many Oregon bound people within the same large group...
Read MoreOregon Provisional Government Established
Year: 1843
Location: Champoeg
Settlers vote at Champoeg to establish the first provisional government in Oregon, setting the foundation for statehood....
Read MoreOregon Trail Migration Increases
Year: 1843
Location: Oregon
Thousands of settlers travel to the Willamette Valley, seeking new opportunities....
Read MoreThe Great Migration
Year: 1843
Location: United States
A large wagon train of around 1,000 emigrants sets out on the Oregon Trail, significantly boosting population in the region....
Read MoreLand Claims in Silverton Area
Year: 1843
Location: Silverton
The first land claims begin to be made in the Silverton area....
Read More
James K. Polk Elected President
Year: 1844
Location: United States
James K. Polk is elected the 11th President of the United States...
Read MoreTexas is annexed by the United States
Year: 1845
Location: United States
The Republic of Texas was annexed into the United States, becoming the 28th state on December 29th, after a joint resolution passed by the US Congress...
Read MoreMexican-American War Begins
Year: 1846
Location: North America
Conflict erupts between the U.S. and Mexico, leading to territorial expansion in the West....
Read MoreOregon Treaty Signed
Year: 1846
Location: Willamette Valley
The Oregon Treaty is signed, establishing the U.S.-Canada border and securing U.S. control of the Willamette Valley....
Read MoreIntroduction of The Colt Walker Revolver
Year: 1846
Location: North America
The single-action revolver holding six charges of black powder behind it's revolving cylinder of six bullets is introduced by Samuel Colt. The Colt Wa...
Read MoreThe Whitman Massacre Occurs
Year: 1847
Location: North America
The Whitman Massacre occurs, leading to the Cayuse War....
Read MoreOregon Territory Established
Year: 1848
Location: United States
The Oregon Territory is officially established by the U.S. government, including present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyomi...
Read MoreGold Rush
Year: 1848
Location: United States
The Willamette Valley sees growth spurred by the Gold Rush and territorial organization....
Read MoreOregon's First Governor
Year: 1849
Location: Oregon
Joseph Lane becomes the first governor of the Oregon Territory...
Read More
Marion County Established
Year: 1849
Location: Marion County
Marion County is officially established as one of the original four counties in the Oregon Territory....
Read MoreCalifornia Gold Rush Impact
Year: 1849
Location: United States
The California Gold Rush draws many Oregonians south, impacting the local economy and population dynamics....
Read MoreDonation Land Claim Act
Year: 1850
Location: United States
The Donation Land Claim Act encourages settlement in Oregon by granting land to settlers, impacting Marion County land ownership....
Read MoreSilverton Founded
Year: 1851
Location: Silverton
The town of Silverton is officially established, growing as an agricultural hub....
Read More
Franklin Pierce Elected President
Year: 1852
Location: United States
Franklin Pierce is elected the 14th President of the United States...
Read MoreThe Volcanic Repeating Arms Company is formed
Year: 1855
Location: United States
Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson form the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company to further developer Walter Hunt's Rocket Ball ammunition and lever action ...
Read More
James Buchanan Elected President
Year: 1856
Location: United States
James Buchanan is elected the 15th President of the United States...
Read MoreSmith & Wesson Model 1 Introduced
Year: 1857
Location: United States
Smith & Wesson produces the first revolver using self-contained metallic cartridges....
Read More
John Whiteaker becomes Oregon's 1st Governor
Year: 1859
Location: United States
John Whiteaker becomes the 1st Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreOregon Becomes a U.S. State
Year: 1859
Location: Oregon
Oregon is admitted as the 33rd state in the Union, bringing the region under U.S. governance....
Read More
Abraham Lincoln elected President
Year: 1860
Location: United States
Abraham Lincoln is elected the 16th President of the United States...
Read MoreAmerican Civil War Begins
Year: 1861
Location: United States
The U.S. is torn apart as the Civil War begins, leading to significant changes in warfare and impacting national politics and some Oregonian participa...
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Addison C. Gibbs becomes Oregon's 2nd Governor
Year: 1862
Location: United States
Addison C. Gibbs becomes the 2nd Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Andrew Johnson becomes President upon Lincoln's Assassination
Year: 1865
Location: United States
Andrew Johnson becomes the 17th President of the United States following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on 15 April 1865....
Read More
End of the American Civil War
Year: 1865
Location: Appomattox
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, effectively ending the American Civil War. T...
Read More
George Lemuel Woods becomes Oregon's 3rd Governor
Year: 1866
Location: United States
George Lemuel Woods becomes the 3rd Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreWinchester Model 1866 Introduced
Year: 1866
Location: United States
Winchester releases the Model 1866 lever-action rifle, a significant improvement over earlier designs....
Read MoreOregon & California Railroad Reaches Salem
Year: 1868
Location: Salem
The Oregon & California Railroad extends to Salem, improving transportation and commerce....
Read MoreOregon & California Railroad Construction Begins
Year: 1868
Location: United States
Construction begins on the Oregon & California Railroad, connecting the Willamette Valley to California and boosting regional development....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
First Transcontinental Railroad Completed
Year: 1869
Location: United States
The Union and Central Pacific Railroads join, connecting the East and West coasts....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Ulysses S. Grant becomes President
Year: 1869
Location: United States
Ulysses S. Grant becomes the 18th President of the United States....
Read MoreSmith & Wesson Model 3 Introduced
Year: 1870
Location: United States
One of the first successful top-break revolvers, later adopted by the U.S. military....
Read More
Lafayette Grover becomes Oregon's 4th Governor
Year: 1870
Location: United States
Lafayette Grover becomes the 4th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreLogging Boom in Willamette Valley
Year: 1870
Location: Willamette Valley
Timber becomes one of the largest industries in the region....
Read MoreColt Single Action Army Released
Year: 1873
Location: United States
The legendary 'Peacemaker' revolver becomes standard among lawmen and outlaws....
Read MoreRemington Introduces the Model 1873 Rifle
Year: 1873
Location: United States
Remington & Sons introduces the Model 1873 rifle, a popular firearm for hunting and military use, impacting the firearms industry....
Read More
Rutherford B. Hayes elected President
Year: 1876
Location: United States
Rutherford B. Hayes is elected the 19th President of the United States....
Read MoreCentennial Exposition
Year: 1876
Location: United States
The Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia showcases American industrial progress, impacting national perception....
Read More
Stephen Fowler Chadwick becomes Oregon's 5th Governor
Year: 1877
Location: United States
Stephen Fowler Chadwick becomes the 5th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
William Wallace Thayer becomes Oregon's 6th Governor
Year: 1878
Location: United States
William Wallace Thayer becomes the 6th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRailroad Expansion in Willamette Valley Continues
Year: 1880
Location: Oregon
Continued expansion of railroad lines throughout the Willamette Valley enhances agricultural and industrial development....
Read More
James A. Garfield elected President
Year: 1880
Location: United States
James A. Garfield is elected the 20th President of the United States....
Read More
Chester A. Arthur becomes President after Garfield's Assassination
Year: 1881
Location: United States
Chester A. Arthur becomes the 21st President of the United States....
Read More
Zenas Perry Moody becomes Oregon's 7th Governor
Year: 1882
Location: United States
Zenas Perry Moody becomes the 7th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Grover Cleveland elected President
Year: 1884
Location: United States
Grover Cleveland is elected the 22nd President of the United States....
Read MoreWinchester Introduces the Model 1886 Rifle
Year: 1886
Location: United States
Winchester Repeating Arms Company launches the Model 1886 lever-action rifle, a powerful and popular firearm of the era....
Read MoreCompletion of the Oregon and California Railroad
Year: 1887
Location: Willamette Valley
The Oregon and California Railroad completes its southern line, improving transportation and commerce in the Willamette Valley....
Read More
Sylvester Pennoyer becomes Oregon's 8th Governor
Year: 1887
Location: United States
Sylvester Pennoyer becomes the 8th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Smith & Wesson New Departure Introduced
Year: 1887
Location: United States
Smith & Wesson releases its 'new-departure' revolver in .38 S&W. A year later it leases a .32 S&W model....
Read More
Benjamin Harrison elected President
Year: 1888
Location: United States
Benjamin Harrison is elected the 23rd President of the United States....
Read MoreSalem Fire
Year: 1889
Location: Oregon
A major fire destroys a significant portion of Salem, impacting Marion County infrastructure....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Colt Introduces the Model 1892 Revolver
Year: 1892
Location: United States
Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company introduces the Model 1892 revolver, a significant development in handgun technology....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Grover Cleveland elected President
Year: 1892
Location: United States
Grover Cleveland is elected the 24th President of the United States and the first U.S. president to serve nonconsecutive terms....
Read MoreSilver Falls Fire Destroys Logging Operations
Year: 1893
Location: Silver Falls
A large fire sweeps through the Silver Falls area, impacting local logging and prompting reforestation efforts....
Read MoreSouthern Pacific Connects Willamette Valley to California
Year: 1893
Location: Willamette Valley
A major rail line is completed, linking Oregon with California and boosting trade....
Read More
William Paine Lord becomes Oregon's 9th Governor
Year: 1895
Location: United States
William Paine Lord becomes the 9th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
William McKinley elected President
Year: 1896
Location: United States
William McKinley is elected the 25th President of the United States....
Read MoreSpanish-American War
Year: 1898
Location: United States
The Spanish-American War begins, impacting U.S. foreign policy and national sentiment....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Theodore T. Geer becomes Oregon's 10th Governor
Year: 1899
Location: United States
Theodore T. Geer becomes the 10th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Smith & Wesson Military & Police Revolver Introduced
Year: 1899
Location: United States
One of the most successful double-action revolvers, still in production today....
Read MoreThe Philippine-American War Begins
Year: 1899
Location: Global
The Philippine-American War was a conflict between the U.S. and Filipino revolutionaries that lasted from 1899 to 1902....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Railroad Network Fully Integrated
Year: 1900
Location: Oregon
The railroad network in the Willamette Valley is largely completed, facilitating efficient transportation and economic growth....
Read More
Theodore Roosevelt becomes President after McKinley's assassination
Year: 1901
Location: United States
Theodore Roosevelt becomes the 26th President of the United States....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Crater Lake Becomes a National Park
Year: 1903
Location: Crater Lake
Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, is designated as a national park by President Theodore Roosevelt....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
George Earle Chamberlain becomes Oregon's 11th Governor
Year: 1903
Location: United States
George Earle Chamberlain becomes the 11th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
William Howard Taft elected President
Year: 1908
Location: United States
William Howard Taft is elected the 27th President of the United States....
Read More
Frank W. Benson becomes Oregon's 12th Governor
Year: 1909
Location: United States
Frank W. Benson becomes the 12th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Jay Bowerman becomes Oregon's 13th Governor
Year: 1910
Location: United States
Jay Bowerman becomes the 13th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Oswald West becomes Oregon's 14th Governor
Year: 1911
Location: United States
Oswald West becomes the 14th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreColt Introduces the M1911 Pistol
Year: 1911
Location: United States
Colt introduces the M1911 semi-automatic pistol, a revolutionary firearm that becomes the standard sidearm for the U.S. military....
Read More
Woodrow Wilson elected President
Year: 1912
Location: United States
Woodrow Wilson is elected the 28th President of the United States....
Read MoreStart of World War I
Year: 1914
Location: Europe
Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia, igniting World War I, which eventually involves major global powers....
Read More
James Withycombe becomes Oregon's 15th Governor
Year: 1915
Location: United States
James Withycombe becomes the 15th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreU.S. Enters World War I
Year: 1917
Location: United States
The United States enters World War I, leading to mobilization and economic changes in Oregon and Marion County....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
End of World War I
Year: 1918
Location: World
World War I ends, leading to significant social and political changes globally and in the U.S....
Read More
Ben Olcott becomes Oregon's 16th Governor
Year: 1919
Location: United States
Ben Olcott becomes the 16th Governor of the State of Oregon upon Governor Withycombe's death....
Read More
Warren G. Harding elected President
Year: 1920
Location: United States
Warren G. Harding is elected the 29th President of the United States....
Read MoreHops Industry Grows
Year: 1920
Location: Marion County
Marion County becomes a leading producer of hops, supporting the brewing industry....
Read More
Walter Marcus Pierce becomes Oregon's 17th Governor
Year: 1923
Location: United States
Walter Marcus Pierce becomes the 17th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Calvin Coolidge becomes President upon Harding's death
Year: 1923
Location: United States
Calvin Coolidge becomes the 30th President of the United States....
Read MoreOregon Electric Railway Completed
Year: 1926
Location: Oregon
The railway provides electric transportation across the Willamette Valley....
Read More
Isaac Lee Patterson becomes Oregon's 18th Governor
Year: 1927
Location: United States
Isaac Lee Patterson becomes the 18th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Herbert Hoover elected President
Year: 1928
Location: United States
Herbert Hoover is elected the 31th President of the United States....
Read More
Albin Walter Norblad becomes Oregon's 19th Governor
Year: 1929
Location: United States
Albin Walter Norblad becomes the 19th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreStock Market Crash of 1929
Year: 1929
Location: New York City
The U.S. stock market crashes on 'Black Tuesday,' marking the beginning of the Great Depression, impacting the U.S. and Oregon economy....
Read MoreGreat Depression Impacts Oregon
Year: 1930
Location: Oregon
The effects of the Great Depression are felt throughout Oregon and Marion County, with economic hardship and social changes....
Read MoreRelated Firearms:
Julius L. Meier becomes Oregon's 20th Governor
Year: 1931
Location: United States
Julius L. Meier becomes the 20th Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read More
Franklin D. Roosevelt elected President
Year: 1932
Location: United States
Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected the 32nd President of the United States....
Read MoreSmith & Wesson .357 Magnum Introduced
Year: 1935
Location: United States
First magnum revolver, marking a major advancement in handgun ballistics....
Read MoreSilver Falls State Park Established
Year: 1935
Location: Marion County
One of Oregon’s most iconic state parks is officially designated....
Read More
Charles Henry Martin becomes Oregon's 21st Governor
Year: 1935
Location: United States
Charles Henry Martin becomes the 21st Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreRemington Introduces the Model 81 Woodmaster
Year: 1936
Location: United States
Remington introduces the Model 81 Woodmaster, a successful semi-automatic rifle for hunting and sporting purposes....
Read More
Charles Arthur Sprague becomes Oregon's 22nd Governor
Year: 1939
Location: United States
Charles Arthur Sprague becomes the 22nd Governor of the State of Oregon...
Read MoreStart of World War II
Year: 1939
Location: E
Nazi Germany invades Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war, beginning World War II....
Read MoreU.S. Enters World War II
Year: 1941
Location: Global
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States declares war on Japan and Germany....
Read MorePearl Harbor Attack
Year: 1941
Location: United States
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor leads the U.S. to enter World War II, impacting Oregon and Marion County....
Read MoreM1 Garand Enters Mass Production
Year: 1941
Location: United States
With the onset of WWII, the M1 Garand rifle enters mass production, becoming a crucial weapon for the U.S. military....
Read More