Pleasant M. Armstrong facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pleasant M. Armstrong
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| Born | 1810 |
| Died | August 24, 1853 (aged 42–43) |
| Occupation | ship builder, soldier |
| Known for | Early Oregon Trail Pioneer; Voted for the Oregon Provisional Government at Champoeg |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Smith |
Pleasant M. Armstrong (born 1810 – died August 24, 1853) was an American pioneer. He helped settle the land that later became the state of Oregon in the United States. He was part of building a ship that sailed to California. This ship was traded for cattle. He also voted at an important meeting in 1843 that helped create a government for the Oregon pioneers.
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Life as an Oregon Pioneer
Pleasant Armstrong moved to the Oregon Country in 1840. This was a large area in the Pacific Northwest. In 1842, he started a farm in the Yamhill Valley. This area is now Yamhill County, Oregon.
Building the Star of Oregon
During his time in Oregon, Armstrong helped build a ship called the Star of Oregon. He worked with several other pioneers. These included Felix Hathaway, John Canan, Ralph Kilbourne, Henry Woods, George Davis, Jacob Green, and later Joseph Gale.
The ship was then sailed to California. There, it was sold in a special trade. The Oregon pioneers received cattle in return. Armstrong and the others then drove 1,250 cattle back to Oregon. They also brought 600 horses and mules, and 3,000 sheep. They arrived in Oregon in early 1843.
Voting for a New Government
On May 2, 1843, Pleasant Armstrong went to a very important meeting. This meeting was held at Champoeg, Oregon. The pioneer settlers gathered to vote. They wanted to decide if they should form their own government.
Armstrong voted to create a government. His side won the vote by a very close margin, 52 to 50. This vote led to the creation of the Provisional Government of Oregon. This was an early government for the settlers. In 1845, he married Jane Smith. She was the daughter of another pioneer named Alvin T. Smith.
Serving in the Rogue River Wars
Later, there were conflicts in Southern Oregon. These conflicts were known as the Rogue River Wars. Armstrong volunteered to help. On August 24, 1853, he was killed during a battle. This happened at a place called Pleasant Creek in Jackson County, Oregon. The creek is now named in his honor. His body was never found.
