Calvin Tibbets: Oregon's First Pioneer with Jerry Sutherland

Author Jerry Sutherland tells the story of Northwest pioneer Calvin Tibbets.  His talk will feature the joys and woes of California cattle drives by early American settlers in the Northwest.  In January 1837, American settlers in Oregon Country (including Washington) sailed to California, rounded up several hundred wild, rangy longhorn cattle, and herded them back home. It was their first coordinated effort to break free of control by England’s Hudson’s Bay Company. Success came at a price, but more cattle drives followed. Rogue Indians attacked and sometimes turned groups back at Foots Creek and “Bloody Pass.” Local Kalapuyan and Métis guides and hunters, including women, provided critical support. A Methodist bulldog contributed enthusiastically on one trip.