Take a behind-the-scenes look at the research and field work that leads to new episodes of OPB’s Oregon Experience program, “Unearthing Oregon,” featuring access to exciting archaeological work happening in Eastern Oregon. From revelations about Chinese cowboys and doctors to early-twentieth-century logging families, archaeologists are making significant new conclusions about Oregon history.
Historian Willian L. Lang presents the history of one of Oregon’s most significant 19th century leaders, Joel Palmer. Lang’s new book, The Country for Me: Joel Palmer and the Shaping of Oregon, is the first full biography of Joel Palmer, a Canadian-born American who played a central role in the political and economic shaping of Oregon. Having traveled on the Oregon Trail three times, he wrote a popular trail guidebook used by later emigrants. Palmer’s experience in public life and government service during his first five years in Oregon led to his federal appointment as superintendent of Indian Affairs for the territory. Palmer is honored by Native Nations in Oregon because he generally considered their conditions and honestly presented a federal government pledge to protect and support their interests. He did not use his office for personal enrichment, a legacy that did not adhere to most federal agents in their dealings with Native peoples.
William L. Lang presents Palmer’s life story as a means to better understand the context and realities of change in Oregon as it transitioned from a contested territory to a state.
William L. Lang is professor emeritus of history at Portland State University and the founding editor of Oregon Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Lang is the author and editor of numerous books, including The Country of Me: Joel Palmer and the Shaping of Oregon, and the co-author of Two Centuries of Lewis and Clark: Reflections on the Voyage of Discovery. Lang is the great-great-great-grandson of Joel Palmer.