In the 1840s settlers from the East came to Oregon with promises of claimable land. Congress passed the Oregon Donation Land Act on September 27, 1850 to promote settlement in Oregon. Through this act the government offered 320 acres to any white male over 18 years of age who was a citizen or had declared his intention to apply, who resided in the Territory on or before December 1, 1850, and who had cultivated his fields for at least 4 years. A settler's wife could claim 320 acres in her own name. Single men who settled in Oregon between December 1, 1850 and December 1, 1853 could claim 160 acres and a similar amount of land for their wives. This is the basis for the Donation Land Claim Maps. There were 3 maps made: one original and 2 copies.

We have reproductions of three Donation Land Claim Maps available for purchase. We believe the maps to be either the originals or copies to which donation land claims were added.

If you've found this site looking for information about your ancestors, one or more might be named on the maps for the areas near Beaverton, Lake Oswego, or West Linn/Oregon City. We have maps covering all three areas. Use the 'Search' button to the left to find your ancestors and the map(s) that shows their claim(s).

We can provide you with a quality copy of any of these maps. Each of these maps is an 156-year-old piece of history that measures 12 inches by 12 inches and depicts an area 6 miles by 6 miles, or 36 sections a mile square.