Oregon Territory Oregon Territory The Territory of Oregon was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from August 14, 1848, until February 14, 1859, when the southwestern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Oregon. Originally claimed by several countries (see Oregon Country), the region was divided between the UK and US in 1846. When established, the territory encompassed an area that included the current states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, as well as parts of Wyoming and Montana. The capital of the territory was first Oregon City, then Salem, followed briefly by
Oregon State Capitol was transplanted to the capitol in 1976 from Oregon State University. On the east side of the building is Capitol Park, which includes a bronze equestrian statue by A. Phimister Proctor called "The Circuit Rider", statues of Jason Lee ("Jason Lee") and John McLoughlin ("John McLoughlin") by Gifford Proctor, and portions of the Corinthian columns of the second capitol building. Lee established the Methodist Mission and what would become Willamette University. McLoughlin, of the Hudson's Bay Company, was proclaimed the Father of Oregon. "The Circuit Rider" was added in 1924 as a monument to early preachers. During the Columbus Day