History
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Dr. John McLoughlin was chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company at Fort Vancouver, a philanthropist, and the founder of Oregon City. In 1828-29, Dr. McLoughlin and the Hudson’s Bay Co. claimed the land on the east bank of the Willamette River at the falls. First called Willamette Falls, the town was platted in 1842 and was named Oregon City by Dr. McLoughlin. In 1844, Oregon City became the first incorporated U.S. city west of the Rocky Mountains. It served as the Provisional and Territorial Capital from 1843-52 and has been the continuous seat of government for Clackamas County since 1843. Dr. McLoughlin became an American citizen and was elected Mayor of Oregon City in 1851. His home was built in 1845 near the falls and moved to the top of the bluff in 1909. He is remembered as "The Father of the Oregon Country" for the aid he provided to missionaries and pioneers who came over the Oregon Trail.
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West Linn, Oregon · United States
