Curry County was created by the territorial legislature Dec. 18, 1855, from the western portions of Coos and Jackson Counties. The county was named after George Curry, who served as territorial governor from 1854 until statehood.
Curry County is bordered on the north by Coos and Douglas Counties, on the west by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the California border, and on the east by Jackson County.
The first settlement in Curry County was established in 1851, when William Tichenor, with 65 men, founded a colony at Port Orford. The earliest inhabitants were primarily the Tu Tut Ni Indians although there were at least ten other tribes in the immediate area. The discovery of gold near the mouth of the Rogue River and the resulting influx of miners led to sporadic conflicts between white settlers and local tribes. In 1855, these skirmishes developed into the Rogue River Indian War which lasted until the fall of 1856. By 1857 gold mining had stopped in Curry County.
Series Descriptions for Curry County
1857-1859
.1 cubic feet
Calendar Microfilm
Series used to assess real and personal property in order to determine tax liabilities. Assessment rolls show tax year, taxpayer's name, real and personal property values, taxes assessed, and assessor's name. Items assessed include gold dust, scrip, land, livestock, boats, and wagons. Series is not arranged.
1856-1858
.1 cubic feet
Calendar Microfilm
Series used to document county population and to report statistics to the territorial government. Census rolls show resident's name; number of legal voters, adult males and females, males aged 10 to 21, females aged 10 to 18, and males and females under age 10; totals, census date; and census taker's certification. Series is not arranged.
1856-1859
.1 cubic feet
Microfilm Reel 9
Series documents the probate judge's appointment of estate administrators. Entries show date recorded; names of deceased, administrator, and probate judge; and conditions of appointment. Series includes an alphabetical index by name of estate. Series is arranged chronologically by appointment date.
1856-1859
.1 cubic feet
Microfilm Reel 9
Series documents estate administrator's bonds filed with the probate court. Record entries show administrator's name, deceased person's name, conditions and amount of bond, and date and signature(s) of administrator(s)... Also includes probate judge's orders of appointment and security affidavits regarding bonds. Series includes an alphabetical index by name of administrator. Series is arranged chronologically by date recorded.
1856-1859
.1 cubic feet
Microfilm Reel 9
Series documents actions heard in the US District Court. Entries show attorneys' names, defendant's and plaintiffs names, cause of action, and final case disposition. Series is arranged chronologically by session date.
1855
.1 cubic feet
Series documents judgments entered in the US District Court. Docket entries show names of debtor and creditor, lien judgment amount, entry date, and name of judgment assignee. Series is arranged chronologically by judgment date.