What Is the McLoughlin House National Historic Site?
This is the preserved retirement home of John McLoughlin, the “Father of Oregon,” part of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site!
What Makes It Historical?
A short-tempered Quebecois, Mr. McLoughlin became chief factor of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Columbia Department in 1824! Based out of Fort Vancouver, his objective was to expand British presence and get as much profit as possible in the region before the American came poking around. He did just that, founding Fort Vancouver and launching Oregon Territory’s first agricultural, lumber, and salmon exporting industries, and slaughtering thousands of the beavers who eventually gave their name to the state.
With the opening of the Oregon Trail, Mr. McLoughlin encouraged American emigrants to settle in the Willamette Valley, but he extended them a lot of credit! With revenues declining at Fort Vancouver, and American settlers scheming to grab the McLoughlin land claims, the HBC’s Northern District Governor, George Simpson, split the Columbia Department, cut Mr. McLoughlin’s pay, and eventually forced him out in 1846. The McLoughlin family settled in Oregon City, and Mr. McLoughlin lived out the rest of his days in this house.
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site!
- Donate to the McLoughlin Memorial Association!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
713 Center St
Oregon City, OR 97045
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The McLoughlin House is open for tours from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays from February to December!
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