Oregon in the American Civil War facts for kids
Oregon played a part in the American Civil War (1861-1865), even though it was far from the main battles. When the war began, Oregon helped the Union by forming its own military units. These units, like the 1st Oregon Cavalry and the 1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regiment, were not sent to fight in the big eastern battles. Instead, they stayed in the Pacific Northwest. Their main jobs were to protect settlers and travelers, guard important routes, and keep peace with Native American tribes.
During this time, new gold discoveries in Idaho and Oregon brought many people to the area. This sometimes led to conflicts with local tribes like the Paiute, Shoshone, and Bannock. These tensions eventually led to the Snake War (1864–1868). Oregon's soldiers helped protect people during these difficult times.
One important person from Oregon, Senator Edward Dickinson Baker, was a close friend of President Abraham Lincoln. He left his job as a senator to lead Union troops in battle. Sadly, he was killed on October 21, 1861, at the Battle of Ball's Bluff in Virginia. Another Oregonian, Captain James W. Lingenfelter, also died in battle a month before Senator Baker. He was a lawyer from Jacksonville, Oregon, who joined the army when the war started.
Oregon's Military Units in the Civil War
Even though Oregon was far from the main fighting, it still formed several military groups to help the Union. These units were made up of volunteers who wanted to serve their country. They helped keep order and protect people in the Pacific Northwest.
Here are some of the main units from Oregon:
- 1st Oregon Cavalry
- 1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regiment
- Mountain Rangers (Oregon Militia)
- Washington Guards (Oregon Militia)
- Fenian Guards (Oregon Militia)
- Zouave Cadets (Oregon Militia)
- Marion Rifles (Oregon Militia)
Civil War Forts and Camps in Oregon
During the Civil War, many forts and camps were built or used in Oregon. These places were important for housing soldiers, training troops, and protecting the region. They served as bases for the Oregon regiments as they carried out their duties.
Here are some of the notable military posts in Oregon during the Civil War:
- Fort Dalles, Oregon, (1850–1867)
- Fort Yamhill, Oregon (1856–1866)
- Fort Hoskins, Oregon, (1857–1865)
- Siletz Blockhouse, Oregon (1858–1866)
- Camp Baker, Oregon (1862–1865)
- Camp Barlow, Oregon, (1862)
- Camp Clackamas, Oregon, (1862)
- Post at Grand Ronde Indian Agency or Fort Lafayette, Oregon 1863
- Fort Klamath, Oregon, (1863–1890)
- Fort at Point Adams, Oregon (1863–1865)
- Fort Stevens, Oregon (1865–1947)
- Camp Alvord, Oregon (1864–1866)
- Camp Dalgren, Oregon (1864)
- Camp Henderson, Oregon, 1864–1866
- Camp Lincoln, Oregon 1864
- Camp Maury, Oregon 1864
- Camp Russell, Oregon 1864–1865
- Camp Watson, Oregon 1864–1869
- Camp Colfax, Oregon, 1865, 1867
- Camp Currey, Oregon 1865–1866
- Camp Logan, Oregon (1865–1868)
- Camp Lyon, Oregon (1865–1869)
- Camp Polk, Oregon (1865–1866)
- Camp on Silvies River, Oregon (1864?)
- Camp Wright, Oregon (1865–1866)
- Old Camp Warner, Oregon (1866–1867)
- Camp Warner, Oregon (1867–1874)
Learn More About the Civil War in the West
If you want to know more about how the Civil War affected the western parts of the United States, check out these related topics:
- Pacific Coast Theater of the American Civil War
- Idaho in the American Civil War
- Montana in the American Civil War
- Washington in the American Civil War
