Oregon Rifles facts for kids

The Oregon Rifles were the very first military group formed to protect the Oregon Country in the Pacific Northwest of North America. This region was a wild frontier back then!

Protecting Early Oregon

After a very sad event known as the Whitman Massacre in late 1847, people in Oregon were worried. The governor of Oregon, George Abernethy, saw how serious the situation was. He asked the lawmakers (the legislature) for help and called for volunteers to form a defense force.

Getting Organized

A group of 45 brave men quickly stepped forward. They organized in Oregon City. Each man brought his own rifle and equipment. If someone didn't have a rifle, John McLoughlin helped by providing one. This volunteer company arrived in The Dalles on December 21, 1847, ready to help protect the settlers.

Who Led the Rifles?

The leader of this new unit was H. A. G. Lee. He was named the captain of the Oregon Rifles.