Apply to Establish an Historical Marker

The state of Oregon has a rich and varied history. Markers are designed to entice the public to stop and explore the state’s diverse regional history, culture and geology. Do you know an untold story of state or national significance? Priority is given to topics currently underrepresented in the inventory.

We establish historical markers for…

Persons who have been dead for a length of time, generally at least 50 years, in order for their ideas, services and/or accomplishments to be placed in an accurate historical perspective, and who made important contributions to the development of Oregon. The importance of the location could have been related to:

1. Place of birth;
2. Place of death, (if death was of state or national significance);
3. Place lived for a substantial period of time at a permanent residence;
4. Place where they performed some act of state or national significance; or
5. Place that represents a significant cultural group in Oregon.

Groups who made important social, political, and economic contributions to the historic development of Oregon. The location may be associated with a particularly important leader or member, home base of the group, or location of particularly important accomplishment.

Events which took place within Oregon at least 50 years ago, are mentioned in at least one authoritative historical work, and were either:

1. Military operations;
2. Meetings with historically important results;
3. Acts of such historic importance as to have changed the course of state or national history; or
4. Natural events that had a large impact on the state.

Places:

1. Where an historic event occurred;
2. That have particular meaning for one or more Tribal communities;
3. That are associated with an historically important person; or
4. Are sites of significant exploration and re-settlement.

Geologic features, which are generally within one mile of the marker site and/or are visible from the site, and are:

1. Of state or national historic significance;
2. Unique to Oregon or the Northwest, e.g. deepest, widest, first, last, oldest, etc;
3. Illustrate hazards, e.g., volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, which are of continuing concern; and/or
4. Are exemplary examples of natural events or formations.

How to apply for the establishment of a new marker

Nomination Form: Download the Oregon Historical Marker Application in PDF.

Sponsorship: Establishing a marker requires community sponsorship. Sponsorship is open to businesses, foundations, non-profits, and public agencies. TIC encourages communities to work collaboratively to sponsor a marker in their region or sub-region.

Note:  Travel Information Council is a governmental unit and is not subject to Federal income tax under the provisions of Section 115(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. Charitable contributions to governmental units are tax-deductible under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code if made for a public purpose.

Process: The Oregon Historical Marker Program’s commitment to a collaborative, community-driven approach to marker creation.

“Friend” us on Facebook
Oregon Travel Information Council’s heritage programs Facebook page is an excellent way to learn about special events and glean historical nuggets about heritage trees and historical markers. You can follow us by clicking on the Facebook icon.