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Oregon State Archives News
Governor's Messages Now on the Web
November 3, 2004
The Oregon State Archives now includes governor's messages on the Web from Governor Whiteaker in 1862 to Governor Chamberlain in 1903. The messages are accessible from the governors page by clicking on the name of a governor who served between 1862 and 1903. More messages will be added in the coming months.
Governor’s messages include transcriptions of inaugural addresses and biennial messages to the Legislature by the governor from 1862 to 1903. These files provide information about issues facing state government at the time and the governor’s plans for dealing with those issues. Topics range from government finances, education, public welfare and environmental issues. For example an address from 1880 includes an appeal for providing a “hatchery” house for salmon along the Columbia River.
The messages also include comments or observations on major national and regional events, such as the various Indian Wars, the Civil War and immigration reform, and economic conditions. They are particularly useful for researchers tracing the development of many state institutions and programs. Some of the biennial addresses contain reports of work completed or accomplishments since the previous biennium.
For more information, contact Layne Sawyer at 503-373-0701 ext. 239.