Summary
The Territory of Oregon was an organized incorporated territory of the United States. It existed from August 14, 1848, until February 14, 1859. This region was divided between the U.S. and Great Britain in 1846. After a war in 1846 a treaty was signed with Britain, giving the US the Oregon territory.
Key Points
- Oregon had been jointly occupied by both Britain and the U.S. since the Treaty of 1818.
- Both countries could claim land and both were guaranteed free navigation throughout.
- The Treaty of 1818 set the boundary between the United States and British North America along the 49th parallel of North Latitude
- The treaty was negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State James Buchanan, who later became president.
- When the Colony of British Columbia joined Canada in 1871, the 49th Parallel and marine boundaries established by the Oregon Treaty became the U.S.-Canadian border.
Sources- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Territory