History Minutes: Wolf Meetings

Public Meeting at Champoeg, 1843 // PTD R76I12186

As the number of white settlers in the Willamette Valley increased during the 1830s, so, too, did the recognition that some type of government would have to be formed.  For years, attempts to establish a provisional government were thwarted by intense factionalism, in particular the clash between Methodists, led by Jason Lee, and Catholics, headed by Father Francis Blanchet.  Compounding the divide was the powerful regional presence of the Hudson’s Bay Company and Chief Factor John McLoughlin.  The existence of these factions—each of which had its own internal divisions—created an environment in which compromise and agreement were elusive.

Of the many meetings that were held to discuss the political status of the region, the “wolf meetings” are considered especially important in establishing a provisional government.  “Wolf meetings” were held in March 1843 to solve the problem of attacks on local livestock by wolves, bears, and cougars, and it was through the establishment of a committee to solve the predator problem that the seeds for an organized government were sown.  Less than two months later—on May 2, 1843—

Willamette Valley settlers met at Champoeg to vote on the formation of a provisional government.  The action was approved with a vote of 52 to 50.