Three miners stand near a drilling rig in a muddy, rocky area with water spraying in the background in Central Oregon.

History Pub: About Oregon Gold

By Deschutes Historical Museum

Date April 28, 2026
Time 7:00 PM
Price 5

Oregon Gold: A History of Mining from the Civil War into the Progressive Era. Presented By: William F Willingham, PhD

Gold mining was an important aspect of Oregon's history, far greater than what is generally understood. Historian and author William Willingham presents extensive research from his book, Oregon Gold, and offers a comprehensive view of Oregon's precious metal mining between 1862-1910. From the economic expansion of Portland to the role that Chinese miners played in eastern Oregon, discover how Oregon's gold rush fits into the larger story of the American West. 

William F. Willingham, PhD, taught at the college level and served as historian for the Corps of Engineers. He specializes in the fields of water resources development, architectural history, historic preservation, cultural resources management, community history, and early American and Pacific Northwest history. He is the author of six publications, including his new book, Oregon Gold: A History of Mining from the Civil War into the Progressive Era.  

History Pub is - A McMenamins and Deschutes Historical Museum Event

Doors open at 6pm - program starts at 7pm