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OREGON
THE NAME "OREGON"
Jonathan Carver applied the name "Oregon" to the "River of the West" as early as 1778—two years after the Declaration of Independence. He said he had heard the river called that name in 1766, by Indians living near the east slope of the Rocky Mountains.
At least six explanations have been offered regarding the meaning and derivation of the word, "Oregon":
- Various authors ascribe the word Oregon to the "Origanum," a wild plant said to have been found growing in abundance along the Pacific Coast.
- Hall J. Kelley, who wrote pamphlets concerning the Oregon country as early as 1829, claimed to have traced "'Oregon,' the name of this river to a large river called 'Orjon,' in Chinese Tartary."
- William G. Steel, who published a booklet on Oregon names, and who was the first president of the Oregon Geographic Board, says it is claimed that "Oregon" came from "Oyerun-gon," a Shoshone word, meaning "a place of plenty."
- Bishop Blanchet, connected with the Catholic Missionary movement in Washington and Oregon, decided that "Oregon"
