Oregon

Oregon Census Research

Federal census records for Oregon began in 1850 and continue every 10 years, with the

Territorial and state census records reflect the rapid growth of the Oregon country. These census enumerations were taken in 1842, 1843, 1845, 1849, 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, 1865, 1875, 1885, 1895, and 1905, though only portions of these enumerations have survived. Most of these censuses include only the name of the head of household, although the 1895 and 1905 censuses include some information on all members of the household.

The following census rolls are on file at the Oregon State Library, the Oregon Historical Society, the University of Oregon Library, and the FHL:

• 1845: Champoeg, Clackamas, Clatsop, Tuality (now Washington County), Yamhill
• 1849: Benton, Champoeg (now Marion), Clackamas, Lewis (now in Washington State), Linn, Polk, Tualatin (now Washington County), Vancouver (now in Washington State), Yamhill
• 1853: Marion, Polk, Umpqua (now Douglas), Washington, Bento
• 1854: Clatsop, Jackson
• 1855: Coos, Jackson
• 1856: Clackamas, Curry, Jackson, Polk, Washington
• 1857: Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, Tillamook, Umpqua (now Douglas), Washington
• 1858: Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Umpqua (now Douglas)
• 1859: Clatsop, Umpqua (now Douglas)
• 1895: Marion
• 1905: Baker, Linn, Lane, Marion

Oregon Vital Records

Oregon began recording births and deaths in 1903 and marriages in 1906. The Oregon State Archives in Salem has vital records from fifteen of the thirty-six counties. These include Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Douglas, Jackson, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah (and Portland), Polk, Tillamook, Umatilla, Wasco, Washington, and Yamhill.

• Oregon Center for Health Statistics – Vital Records: Holds records of births and deaths from July, 1903; marriages from 1906; and divorce certificates from 1925.
• Oregon State Archives – Vital Records: The Archives holds birth, marriage, divorce, and death registers and records for selected counties, and will provide copies to researchers. A list of available holdings and search fees is provided. The searchable Oregon Historical Records Index offers a surname search of selected records, including vital records.
• Western States marriage index (BYU Idaho) special collections: a searchable index to marriages in several western states, including Oregon. See the web site for specific counties and years included in the index.

Oregon Research Resources

The organizations listed below provide information about Oregon history and genealogy. In addition to these state-level resources, many counties and towns maintain important genealogical collections in local libraries, genealogical societies, or historical societies, so check for a local resource when researching

Statewide Research Resources

• Oregon State Archives genealogy records: Research guides are provided for the extensive research resources at the Archives.
• Oregon State Library: see the Genealogy link for a description of resources.
• Oregon Historical Society
• Genealogical Forum of Oregon (GFO): In addition to an on-site genealogy library located in Portland, the GFO’s web site provides searchable indexes to marriages, deaths, cemetery, military, probate, and yearbook records.
• Genealogical Council of Oregon, Inc.: Maintains a list of Oregon genealogical societies.
• Oregon GenWeb
• Southern Oregon University Digital Archives (SODA): Includes collections on Oregon history and First Nations.
• The National Archives at Seattle: This facility maintains records from Federal agencies and courts in Oregon, including census, military, court, naturalization, and immigration records.
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) General Land Office Records: The BLM administers Federal Land for public land states including Oregon, and maintains records of land patents which granted land from the Federal Government to individuals. Use the Land Patent Search to locate land grants by name. Many record images are available on the web site. See the FAQ for more information on how to locate and use land patents. 

Specialty and Regional Research

• Oregon-California Trails Organization: Focuses on the 19^th century migration on the Oregon, California, Santa Fe and Mormon Trails.