Thought starters

The ever changing borders of Multnomah County:

• Establishment of Multnomah County (1854): Multnomah County was officially established on December 22, 1854, as one of the original four counties in the Oregon Territory. At its formation, it encompassed a vast area, including present-day Multnomah, Hood River, Clackamas, and parts of Washington and Yamhill counties.

• Formation of Washington County (1843): In 1843, Washington County was created out of the western portion of the original Multnomah County. This separation reduced Multnomah County's size and established a new neighboring county.

• Formation of Clackamas County (1843): In the same year, Clackamas County was also established, further diminishing Multnomah County's territory. Clackamas County was formed from the southern portion of the original Multnomah County.

• Loss of Hood River County (1908): On June 23, 1908, Hood River County was carved out of the eastern portion of Wasco County. This new county was originally part of Multnomah County but was transferred to Wasco County in 1854. Hood River County's establishment permanently reduced Multnomah County's eastern border.

• Boundary Adjustment with Washington County (1953): In 1953, a significant boundary adjustment occurred between Multnomah County and Washington County, its western neighbor. The adjustment involved the transfer of territory to Washington County. The primary purpose of this adjustment was to align the border with the city of Beaverton's growing urban area and to facilitate better administrative coordination between the two counties.

• Boundary Adjustment with Clackamas County (1961): In 1961, a small border adjustment took place between Multnomah County and Clackamas County, its southern neighbor. The adjustment involved the transfer of territory near the town of Damascus from Multnomah County to Clackamas County. This change was made to align the administrative boundaries more effectively and facilitate the provision of services to the affected communities.

• Boundary Adjustment with Clackamas County (1973): Another boundary adjustment occurred between Multnomah County and Clackamas County in 1973. This adjustment involved the transfer of a small area in the southeast part of Multnomah County, near the town of Johnson City, to Clackamas County. The purpose of this adjustment was to streamline administrative jurisdiction and improve service delivery to the affected area.

• Boundary Adjustment with Clackamas County (1998): In 1998, Multnomah County and Clackamas County underwent another boundary adjustment. This adjustment involved the transfer of territory near the town of Damascus from Clackamas County to Multnomah County. The aim was to align the administrative boundaries with the growth patterns and provide more efficient services to the affected communities.