Oregon Bill of 1848 facts for kids

The Oregon Bill of 1848 was an important law passed by the United States government. Its official name was "An Act to Establish the Territorial Government of Oregon." This law made Oregon an official U.S. Territory.

President James K. Polk signed the bill into law on August 14, 1848. It was approved by the 30th United States Congress. The bill helped set up the government for the new Oregon Territory.

What Was the Oregon Bill of 1848?

The Oregon Bill of 1848 was a law that officially created the Oregon Territory. This territory was a large area of land in the western United States. It included what is now Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. Parts of Montana and Wyoming were also included.

This law meant that the United States government would now be in charge of this area. It would help organize the land and its people.

Why Was This Bill Needed?

For a few years, the United States had not paid much attention to the Oregon region. This was even after the Oregon Treaty of 1846, which set the border with British Canada.

However, news of a sad event, the Whitman massacre, reached Congress. This event showed that the area needed a strong government. It pushed Congress to act quickly and create the Oregon Territory.

How the Bill Became Law

The idea for this bill started earlier. An early version of the bill was approved by the United States House of Representatives on February 3, 1845.

This first version also included an important change. It said that slavery would not be allowed in the new territory. This part of the bill was approved by a vote of 140 to 59 in the House of Representatives.

The final bill, signed in 1848, officially made Oregon a U.S. Territory. This was a big step in the history of the American West.