Old Oregon Trail
In 1843 the "Great Migration" of ox teams and covered wagons arrived at Oregon City. Blazing the Old Oregon Trail through to the Valley of Willamette, making a two-ocean country of the United States.
Barlow Road
In 1846 Samuel K. Barlow and Philip Foster built a cut-off to the Old Oregon Trail, south of Mt. Hood across the Cascade Range. In the fall 152 wagons arrived at Oregon City over this road.
Oregon City
Once know as Willamette Falls, named Oregon City by Dr. John McLoughlin, who had it platted in 1842. Capital of the Provisional Government 1843-9; Capital of Oregon Territory 1849-50; Oregon Spectator, First newspaper west of Missouri River, est. 1846. First protestant church (Methodist) west of Rockies, 1844; First incorporated town west of Missouri River, 1844; Erection of first Catholic archdiocese in the west, 1846; First Masonic Lodge west of Rockies, 1848; First long distance electrical transmission line in United States, Oregon City to Portland, 1889. - text of marker