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 Jason Lee - Salem, Oregon Posted by:  ddtfamily
N 44° 56.575 W 123° 00.583
10T E 499233 N 4976609
Historical marker in Lee Mission Cemetery, oldest cemetery in Salem, Oregon
Waymark Code: WMFKT9
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 10/31/2012
Views: 3
Jason Lee was a Methodist missionary and pioneer to the Oregon Territory. He was selected to lead a mission which was initially established at Fort Vancouver in 1834. After the mission site had to be abandoned due to unhealthy conditions, the mission was moved to the Willamette River, northwest of present day Salem. In 1836-37, Lee helped to draft a petition for the establishment of a territorial government, presenting the petition in Washington, D.C. in 1838. Lee became active in organizing the Oregon Territory with the intent of maintaining ties with the United States. He presided over the territorial organization meeting held at Champoeg in 1841. In 1843 he helped form the provisional government. Lee promoted education and formed the plan that resulted in the founding of Oregon Institute (now Willamette University), the oldest university in the west.
Rev. Jason Lee is one of two Oregonians (along with Dr. John McLoughlin) depicted in a statute at the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol.
The marker is located in Lee Mission Cemetery, the oldest graveyard in Oregon's capital city, Salem. Text of the marker reads:
JASON LEE
---(1803-1845)---
First Protestant missionary in the
Oregon Territory. Arrived 1834.
Assisted in establishing
the Provisional Government, and
in founding Willamette University
and the City of Salem, Oregon.
___ . ___
Mahonia Chapter, Daughters of the American Colonists,
through the generosity of Mrs. Byron B. Herrick,
in memory of her father, Winfield Taylor Rigdon,
pioneer of Marion County, and a great admirer of Jason Lee.
Historic Topic: Pioneer
Group Responsible for placement: Other
Marker Type: City
Region: Willamette Valley
County: Marion
Web link to additional information: [Web Link]
State of Oregon Historical Marker "Beaver Board": Not listed
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