Who were the frist people to explore in Oregon?

The first people to explore what became the state of Oregon were the expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1805. At that time, Oregon was part of the Louisiana Territory, which had been purchased by President Jefferson in 1803.

Lewis and Clark's expedition was funded by the United States government to explore the vast Louisiana Territory, and to extend control over the region and to settle the Pacific Northwest.

On January 7, 1805, Lewis and Clark set out from St. Louis and began their journey up the Missouri River. After a challenging and dangerous journey, the expedition reached Oregon Country in October of 1805.

The expedition spent the winter of 1805-06 at Fort Clatsop, near present-day Astoria, Oregon. During their time in Oregon, Lewis and Clark met a variety of Native American tribes, and were guided and assisted by the Shoshone Native American Sacagawea.

Lewis and Clark's expedition left a legacy that shaped the exploration and settlement of the Oregon Territory and the Pacific Northwest. Their journey contributed significantly to the acquisition and development of the region by the United States.