History of the Francis Ermatinger House
Current photograph of the Francis Ermatinger House located at 619 6th Street, Oregon City.
The Francis Ermatinger House is one of the most important surviving pioneer-era buildings in Oregon. This key landmark is connected to the regions early settlement and founding of the Oregon Territory and Oregon's eventual statehood.
Built in 1843, The Francis Ermatinger House is the oldest house in Clackamas County. This historic home, which now operates as a museum, was constructed for Francis Ermatinger, a chief trader for the Hudson's Bay Trading Company.
This Heritage Home is a historic landmark and is not only important to the history of Oregon City; It plays a significant role in the city of Portland’s history, as well. It was in this house that— by way of a coin toss between Francis Pettygrove and Asa Lovejoy, the city of Portland was given its name. Lovejoy originally hailed from Massachusetts, and proposed the name “Boston”, but Pettygrove, who won the toss, chose the name “Portland”, after his hometown in Maine.
