THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY

ByAaron Henderson

ED 626

Trapping and GameThe first settlers in the Willamette Valley were trappers who

pursued many different game animals.

There were many animals that inhabited the valley including bears, deer, elk, beaver, mountain lion, and

numerous other animals.

Native AmericansEarly people who came to the valley encountered other

people who already lived here. Native Americans had called the valley home long before others decided to settle here.

The First HomesteadersThe first settlers traveled here in covered wagons following

the Oregon Trail from the east.

BelongingsThe covered wagons were small and could not carry a lot of

belongings to their destination.

Changing Times in the ValleyOnce a population of people were established in the Valley

ways of life started to change.

New Technologies started to appear.

Medicine improved and people started to live longer.

Industries, like logging, began to show up many of which drive the valley’s economy today.

Farming is still a major part of the Willamette Valley.

Quiz

How did homesteaders get here? Covered wagons on the Oregon Trail.

What are two industries in the Valley then and today?

Logging and Farming.