Levi Scott (Oregon politician) facts for kids

Levi C. Scott (1797–1890) was an important person in the early days of the Oregon Territory in the United States. He was born in Illinois. Levi Scott was a captain during the Cayuse War, which was a conflict between settlers and Native Americans.

He also helped create the famous Applegate Trail, a path for pioneers. Later, he served in the government of the Oregon Territory. In 1857, he was part of the group that wrote the Oregon Constitution. Scott also started the town of Scottsburg. Many places in Southern Oregon are named after him.

Early Life and Moving West

Levi Scott was born on February 8, 1797. This was in an area that later became the state of Illinois. He was married and had two children.

By 1844, his family had moved to Iowa. They lived in a town called Burlington. In May 1844, Levi and his son, John Scott, traveled west. They moved to what was then known as Oregon Country. They settled near a place called Dallas, Oregon.

Building a New Path

In 1846, Levi Scott and his son joined a group of explorers. This group included Jesse Applegate and Lindsay Applegate. Their goal was to find a new, safer route for pioneers coming into the Willamette Valley. The government of Oregon at the time, called the Provisional Government of Oregon, approved their plan.

This new route would start southwest from Fort Hall. It would then go through the Rogue Valley and Umpqua Valley. Finally, it would turn north towards the settlements in the Willamette Valley. This important path became known as the Applegate Trail. It helped many families travel safely to Oregon.

A Leader in Oregon

During the Cayuse War, Levi Scott became a captain. His job was to send important messages for the government to California. After the war, in 1848, he settled in Douglas County, Oregon. The valley where he lived was named Scotts Valley in his honor.

In 1850, Scott founded the town of Scottsburg. This town was built along the Umpqua River. A famous mountain, Mount Scott, in Crater Lake National Park is also named after him.

Scott then became involved in politics. In 1852, he was elected to the Oregon Territorial Legislature. He represented three southern counties: Umpqua, Douglas, and Jackson. He was a member of the Whig political party. He served in the upper part of the legislature, called the Council. Scott was re-elected two times, serving until 1855.

He returned to politics for a short time in 1857. He was chosen as a delegate for the Oregon Constitutional Convention. At this meeting, people wrote the rules for Oregon to become a state. Scott represented Umpqua County at this important event.

Later Life and Legacy

Levi Scott passed away on April 21, 1890. He died in Malheur County, Oregon, in the southeastern part of the state.

Many places are named after Levi Scott. These include the town of Scottsburg, Scotts Valley, and Mount Scott in Crater Lake National Park. Another place, Scott Mountain in Douglas County, is also named in his honor. His legacy lives on through these names and the important trail he helped create.