971-219-4881
619 6th St,
Oregon City, OR 97045
(Public) Francis Ermatinger was born in Portugal of Swiss parents and educated in England. Francis and his brother joined the Hudson’s Bay Company. They were sent to Canada and later to the Pacific Northwest. With Robert Newell and Joe Meek, Francis brought the first wagons to the Northwest. He became the Company’s Chief Trader and was in charge of the Hudson’s Bay Store in Oregon City until 1846. Dr. John McLaughlin had the house built for Francis Ermatinger (who wed his grand-daughter) in 1845. It’s the oldest house in Clackamas County and reputed site of the coin toss to choose the name for Portland, Oregon. It was originally located on Main Street in Oregon City, moved in 1910 up Singer Hill to 10th Street then moved again in 1987 to its present location and was restored by Ruth McBride Powers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.