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The Oregon Territorial Legislature was the legislative branch of the government of the Oregon Territory of the United States, from 1849 to 1858. The legislature was a bicameral body, including a larger "House of Representatives," headed by a Speaker of the House, and a 9-member "Council," headed by the President of the Council. With the coming of Oregon statehood in 1859, the Oregon Territorial Legislature was supplanted by a new body, the Oregon Legislative Assembly.
Contents
This list includes all members of the Oregon Territorial Legislature, divided first by year of the annual session, secondarily divided alphabetically by legislative body. Political parties are indicated when known (D-Democratic, W-Whig, FS-Free Soil Party, R-Republican).
1849
The 1st Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from July 16 to September 29, 1849. Although there were 18 legislative districts for the House, only 17 names appear in archival records of the session, no representative for District 5 being indicated.
1850
The 2nd Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 2, 1850 to February 8, 1851.
1851
The 3rd Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 1, 1851 to January 21, 1852. The size of the House of Representatives expanded from its original 18 to 22 members effective with this session.
1852
The 4th Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 6, 1852 to February 3, 1853. The size of the House of Representatives expanded once again, this time from 22 to 25 members effective with this session.
1853
The 5th Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 5, 1853 to February 2, 1854. A 26th member was added to the House of Representatives effective with this session.
1854
The 6th Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 4, 1854 to February 1, 1855.
1855
The 7th Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 1, 1855 to January 31, 1856.
1856
The 8th Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 1, 1856 to January 29, 1857.
1857
The 9th Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 7, 1857 to February 5, 1858. There were also Special Pre-Admission Sessions held from July 5 to 9, 1858 and from September 13 to 14, 1858.
1858
The 10th (and final) Oregon Territorial Legislative Session was held from December 6, 1858 to January 22, 1859. Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, becoming the 33rd American state.