History of Oregon

The history of Oregon, a U.S. state, may be considered in five eras: geologic history, inhabitation by native peoples, early exploration by Europeans (primarily fur traders), settlement by pioneers, and modern development.

The term "Oregon" may refer to:

• Oregon Country, a large region explored by Americans and the British (and generally known to Canadians as the Columbia District);
• Oregon Territory, established by the United States two years after its sovereignty over the region was established by the Oregon Treaty; and
• Oregon, a U.S. state since 1859

The history of Oregon, and of the Pacific Northwest, has received little attention from historians, as compared to other regions of the American far west.