Astonishing Growth: Gold and the Development of Oregon, 1862–1910
William F. Willingham, Historian
Bowman Museum is pleased to announce a special evening lecture by noted historian William F. Willingham. The presentation, titled “Astonishing Growth: Gold and the Development of Oregon, 1862–1910,” will take place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Bowman Museum in Prineville. This event is free and open to the public.
Willingham’s lecture will explore the far-reaching impact of gold discoveries in eastern Oregon during the late 19th century—a transformative period that brought rapid population growth, economic change, and infrastructure development to the region. Drawing on decades of research, Willingham will illuminate how the gold mining era helped shape Oregon’s path toward modernization and statehood.
The lecture will highlight key mining sites, explore the movement of people and resources, and trace the long-term effects of gold extraction on Oregon’s economic foundations. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for how gold mining helped integrate Oregon into the broader fabric of the American West.
William F. Willingham is an accomplished author, preservationist, and former historian with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Based in Oregon, he has contributed extensively to the understanding of the Pacific Northwest's cultural and architectural heritage and has played a pivotal role in documenting and preserving Oregon’s historic resources.
The lecture is part of the Bowman Museum’s ongoing effort to bring engaging, educational programming to the Crook County community and beyond.