Ridiculous History: CLASSIC - Oregon Was a White Supremacist Paradise

Release Date: March 15, 2025

Hosts: Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown
Podcast: Ridiculous History by iHeartRadio

Introduction

In this classic episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown delve into the unsettling yet fascinating history of Oregon, a state today renowned for its progressive and vibrant culture, particularly in cities like Portland. Contrary to its modern reputation, Oregon's early days were marked by overt white supremacy and exclusionary practices that have left a lasting impact on its demographic and social landscape.

Historical Background: Oregon Country

[07:43 - 08:33]
The episode begins by exploring the Oregon Country, a vast territory established in 1818 through a joint agreement between the United States and Britain. This region encompassed present-day Oregon, Washington State, and parts of Idaho. President James K. Polk, an ardent expansionist, was determined to assert American dominance over the territory, primarily driven by the lucrative fur trade interests held by the British. The slogan "54-40 or Fight" encapsulated the tension, referencing the northern latitude line that demarcated the contested boundary.

Exclusion Laws: Foundations of White Supremacy

[10:35 - 16:19]
As Oregon moved towards statehood, the establishment of its constitution in 1857 revealed deeply ingrained racist ideologies. In 1844, the provisional government enacted the Exclusion Law, which not only banned slavery but also sought to expel African Americans from the territory.

Noel explains, “The exclusion law that was enacted... allowed slaveholders to hold on for up to three years. But after that, any freed black person was required to leave Oregon” [12:19].

Ben adds, "[...] any African American who remained in Oregon after they were freed would be flogged, whiplashed, and forcibly expelled from the country." [12:22]

This law, known as the Burnett Lash Law [14:14], named after Peter Hardiman Burnett, mandated severe punishments for those who resisted expulsion, including repeated public lashing every six months until departure.

Key Figures: Peter Hardiman Burnett

[39:55 - 44:28]
The narrative centers around Peter Hardiman Burnett, a pivotal yet notorious figure in Oregon's racist history. Burnett, a former slave owner from Missouri, was instrumental in crafting and enforcing exclusionary laws aimed at maintaining an all-white state. His extreme measures included:

• Enforcement of the Burnett Lash Law: Inflicting physical punishment on African Americans who defied expulsion orders.
• Legal Manipulations: As a lawyer, Burnett successfully maneuvered legal venues to favor his racist agendas, such as facilitating the escape of Mormon leaders from frontier conflicts [43:23].
• Consistent Racism: Burnett's racism extended beyond African Americans to other minority groups, including Chinese immigrants, showcasing his unwavering commitment to white supremacy [46:57].

Despite his abhorrent actions, Burnett's political influence persisted, eventually leading him to become California's first governor. His tenure was marked by continued efforts to exclude black and Chinese populations, although these attempts often met with resistance and eventual failure [47:35].

Legacy and Modern Reflections

[26:16 - 42:35]
The exclusionary policies established during Oregon's early statehood set a precedent for systemic racism that lingered long after the laws themselves were repealed. Although the 14th Amendment in 1866 aimed to nullify such discriminatory practices by ensuring equal protection under the law, Oregon initially resisted its ratification [28:51]. It wasn't until 1927 that the exclusion clauses were formally removed from the state constitution [38:56]. However, the remnants of these racist ideologies persisted, influencing modern-day demographics and contributing to isolated pockets of neo-Nazi activity within the state [03:52], particularly outside the liberal hub of Portland.

Renowned academics like Walida Imarisha, a professor at Portland State University, emphasize that Oregon's historical stance was not rooted in a desire for racial justice but rather in the pursuit of a "white man's land" [26:16]. This foundation has fostered a complex legacy where Portland's progressive image coexists with its racially exclusionary past and present challenges.

Notable Quote:
“Oregon was birthed at this intersection of being anti-slavery and anti-black. But in no way was Oregon anti-slavery because they believed in racial justice. They were anti-slavery because they considered this to be white man's land.”
— Walida Imarisha [26:16]

Cases of Enforcement and Resistance

[24:43 - 33:24]
The podcast recounts specific instances of how exclusion laws were enforced:

• Jacob Vanderpool Case: In 1851, Vanderpool, owner of a saloon and boarding home, was expelled solely based on his race, as documented by Salem Public Library records. Judge Thomas Nelson ordered him to leave Oregon within 30 days [25:07].

• Jeremy Joseph Christian Incident: A more contemporary example involves Jeremy Joseph Christian, who committed racially motivated violence in Portland, highlighting the enduring presence of extremist ideologies [33:04].

Contemporary Implications and Ongoing Struggles

[33:04 - 43:23]
The episode underscores that Oregon's struggle with racism is not merely a historical footnote but a continuing issue. Despite progress, the state still grapples with the legacy of its exclusionary past. Modern efforts by individuals and organizations aim to bridge the racial divides and foster a more inclusive community. However, the persistence of hate groups and racially motivated violence indicates that Oregon's white supremacist foundations continue to influence its present-day society.

Conclusion

Ben and Noel provide a compelling exploration of Oregon's paradoxical history as an anti-slavery yet staunchly white supremacist state. Through detailed examination of exclusion laws, influential figures like Peter Burnett, and the lingering effects on modern society, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of how historical prejudices have shaped and continue to influence Oregon's identity.

Final Insight:
"Oregon became a state in 1859, and it was the only state in history so far that entered as a whites-only state. So anti-slavery, but only because they were such white supremacists. And that's mind-boggling."
— Ben Bowlin [23:52]

The hosts wrap up by recommending further resources, such as the documentary Local Color, which delves deeper into Oregon's racial history and the ongoing fight for civil rights within the state.

Notable Quotes:

• "The exclusion law... allowed slaveholders to hold on for up to three years. But after that, any freed black person was required to leave Oregon." — Noel Brown [12:19]

• "Oregon was birthed at this intersection of being anti-slavery and anti-black... They were anti-slavery because they considered this to be white man's land." — Walida Imarisha [26:16]

• "Oregon became a state in 1859, and it was the only state in history so far that entered as a whites-only state." — Ben Bowlin [23:52]

This episode of Ridiculous History serves as a sobering reminder of how deeply entrenched racism can shape the foundations of a society, leaving lasting scars that echo through generations. It challenges listeners to reevaluate the narratives of progressive cities by uncovering the often overlooked and disturbing histories that lie beneath.