Seeds of government and life at Champeog (2010)
Join costumed historical interpreters and musicians playing pioneer music on Founders Day
The annual Founders Day celebration at Champoeg State Heritage Site is May 1, from 1-4 p.m. in the visitor center. This year’s theme “Farming Then and Now,” celebrates the planting of the first seeds of Oregon government while recalling the way of life at the time—farming. Be sure to head to the Manson Barn to see the antique tool display.
Find out what life was like in the Willamette Valley around the time settlers gathered at Champoeg on May 2, 1843 to vote on whether to remain under the rule of the British Hudson’s Bay Company, or form a pro-American provisional government for the Oregon Country.
Incidentally, the winning margin in the vote was 52-50.
The Champoeg area also was the site of the first farm in the Pacific Northwest (established in 1833), making the park the a great setting for the Annual Oregon Draft Horse Association’s 2010 Plowing Competition, also May 1. “Blacksmiths” will apply their skills at forges near the working horses from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. On May 2, watch a plowing exhibition that prepares a field for planting.
The event is organized and sponsored by the Friends of Historic Champoeg.