Oregon Secretary of State

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Columbia County Records Inventory

The following information is based on a May 2017 inventory.

Titles listed in this inventory are exactly as they appear on the outside of a volume, box, drawer, or other container. If the title is only in brackets [ ], the record has no external identifying information. Text inside the brackets includes either exact title information from the inside of the volume, box, etc. or a functional title.

1889-2013 

Series documents the process by which a person(s) legally assumes the parenting of another person, most often a child, from that person's biological or legal parent(s). The process permanently transfers all parenting rights and responsibilities from the biological parent(s) to the adopting parent(s). Adoptions summaries from 1864 to 1918 were published in annual reports in the Oregon Laws. These reports included the date, present name, former name, by whom adopted and county of adoption. Historically, adoption information was recorded in various ways in Oregon and was sometimes recorded with other unrelated legal actions into circuit court, probate, or county court journals or case files. Beginning in the early 1900s, adoptions were often recorded as a distinct record series that included records such as adoption case files, journals, registers, dockets, and indexes. Adoptions are now determined exclusively by circuit courts. Access to adoption records is restricted. Adult adoptees must show personal identification to see court documents pertaining to their adoptions. With some exceptions, most other people must get a court order to gain access to adoption records.

The Columbia County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013. Adoption records created since 2013 are maintained electronically. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Adoption Case Files [separated from probate case files], 1893-1896 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Circuit Court Old Jail Storage Room 3: 
Adoption Records [Case Files], no. A1-A1050, 1939-1991 (15 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
[Adoption Case Files-in locked circuit court file cabinet], no. A1051-A2081, 1991-2003 (5 cu.ft.); no. 04.A101-13.107A, 2004-2013 (5 cu.ft.); 
Adoption Journal Index and Fee Book [in locked circuit court black cabinet], 1939-1958 (1 volume); vol. 2, 1958-1969 (1 volume); vol. 3, 1969-1981 (1 volume);
Law Journal [County Court-includes some adoption and pension and relief entries], vol. B-C, 1889-1975 (2 volumes).
​​​1950-[ongoing] 

Series provides visual documentation of changes made to county lands through development and by natural and man-made disasters. The photographs are taken at intervals along a series of flight paths to attain coverage of all or part of a county. They generally include flight path or township, range, and section numbers; show natural and man-made features; and are produced in black and white or color prints to varying scales. An index by quadrant may also be included. 

The University of Oregon Aerial Photograph Collection includes aerial photographs from most Oregon counties. 
​

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room:
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes city, vicinity, road, railroad, aerial photomap, water system, school district boundaries, timber ownership, and assessor-rolled], ca.1950-present (ca.300 maps). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2: 
[Aerial Photographs], 1959 (ca.350 photographs); 1962 (ca.150 photographs); 1963 (ca.250 photographs); 
Aerials Early 1950s [Aerial Photographs], 1953-1954 (ca.500 photographs). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Old Jail Storage Room:
[Aerial Photographs-with soil classification notations], n.d. (1 volume); 
Aerial Photos, 1994 (150 photographs); Air Photos II, 1963 (ca.50 photographs); 1971 (ca.30 photographs); 1976 (ca.10 photographs); 1979 (ca.100 photographs); Air Photos III [with index], 1970 (ca.150 photographs); 
Flood of 96 Aerials [Photographs], 1996 (20 photographs);
May 86 Air Photo, 1986 (ca.50 photographs); 
[Miscellaneous Aerial Photographs-in cardboard dividers], 1963-1994 (ca.150 photographs). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Private Office, Side Room: 
Columbia [Willamette River Greenway Aerial Photograph Maps], 1974 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Old Jail Storage Area:
[Aerial Photographs-large format], 1974 (ca.100 photographs); 1986 (ca.50 photographs); 
[Aerial Photographs-large format Mylar], n.d. (ca.50 photographs); 
[Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats-includes town, subdivision, and survey plats, district maps, building plans, road plats, aerial photographs, sewer lines, topographical maps, and other related records and subjects-rolled], ca.1937-present (ca.600 maps and drawings). 

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Columbia County Web Maps​ [GIS Database-includes assessor maps, subdivision and partition plats, survey plats, aerial photographs, zoning maps, urban growth boundaries, districts, roads, and related information], n.d.-present.
​​
1901-1981 

Series documents the payment of county and state bounty money to individuals who presented the scalps and other prescribed body parts of targeted predatory animals. The program was intended to control the threat to livestock. Examples of targeted animals include coyote, cougar, mountain lion, panther, wildcat, bobcat, lynx, and wolf. Records include registers, affidavits, certificates, and statements. Information includes claimant and affiant names; kind of animal; number of scalps; date killed or presented; and number, amount, and date of warrant. The records are also referred to as scalp bounty records. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Register of Scalp Bounty Warrants [also includes road warrants], vol. 1, 1901-1903 (1 volume); 
Scalp Bounty [Claim Record-includes loose statements], 1925-1952 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Scalp Bounty Claims [Animal], 1959-1981 (.40 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Bounty Record [Animal Scalp], 1905-1936 (1 volume).
​​1846-[ongoing]

Series documents the assessment of real and personal property, the determination of tax liability, and the collection of county taxes. Assessment, tax, and delinquent tax records are labeled as rolls, lists, or summaries. Records show property owner; description and value of urban and agricultural land, personal property, and livestock; assessments, equalizations, and taxes due; and notations on payment and delinquency in payment of taxes. Beginning with 1900, counties have only been required to retain permanently those assessment and tax rolls for years ending in "0" and "5."

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Assessment and Tax Roll [title varies], 1874 (1 volume); 1877 (1 volume); 1878 (1 volume); 1879 (1 volume); 1881-1883 (3 volumes); 1886-1888 (3 volumes); 1892 (2 volumes); 1893 (3 volumes); 1894 (3 volumes); 1895 (2 volumes); 1896 (3 volumes); 1897 (3 volumes); 1898 (3 volumes); 1899 (3 volumes); 1900 (1 volume); 1920 (4 volumes);
Delinquent Road Taxes [List], 1855 (.05 cu.ft.);
Delinquent Tax Lists, 1854-1859 (.05 cu.ft.);
Delinquent Tax Rolls, 1892, 1895-1896 (3 volumes);
List of Taxable Property [Assessable Property Statements], 1874 (.20 cu.ft.);
Tax Lists, 1854-1859 (.05 cu.ft.); 1860-1872 (14 volumes);
Tax Roll and Census, 1865 (1 volume);
Tax Roll Sheets [Loose], 1873, 1876, 1884-1890 (.75 cu.ft.);
Territorial Assessment Roll [Columbia County-drawer 37], 1857-1859 (1 reel of microfilm);
Search for ca.1846-ca.1859 Columbia County provisional and territorial government tax roll entries in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2:
Assessment and Tax Roll Land Classified for Reforestation, 1931-1951 (5 volumes);
Assessment & Tax Roll O & C Revested Grant Land [Oregon & California], 1918-1936 (1 volume);
Assessment and Tax Roll [title varies], 1931-1951 (101 volumes);
Assessment Roll [Continuing], 1959-1967 (16 cu.ft.);
Assessment Roll [title varies], 1873 (2 volumes); 1874 (1 volume); 1875 (2 volumes); 1876 (2 volumes); 1877 (1 volume); 1878 (2 volumes); 1879 (1 volume); 1880 (1 volume); 1882 (1 volume); 1883 (1 volume); 1891 (2 volumes); 1884 (2 volumes); 1885 (2 volumes); 1886 (2 volumes); 1887 (1 volume); 1888 (1 volume); 1889 (1 volume); 1890 (1 volume); 1900 (2 volumes);
Assessment Roll [unbound-title varies], ca.1858 (1 volume); ca.1859 (1 volume); 1860 (1 volume); 1861 (1 volume); 1862 (3 volumes); 1863 (1 volume); 1864 (1 volume); 1866 (1 volume); 1867 (1 volume); 1869 (1 volume); 1870 (1 volume); 1871 (1 volume); 1872 (3 volumes); 1881 (1 volume); 1882 (1 volume); 1883 (1 volume); 1887 (1 volume); 1891 (1 volume); 1893 (1 volume); 1894 (1 volume); 1895 (1 volume);
[Continuing Real Property Tax Roll], 1951-1958 (20 cu.ft.);
Delinquent Roll [Tax List-unbound-title varies], 1860 (1 volume); 1861 (1 volume); 1862 (1 volume); 1863 (3 volumes); 1864 (1 volume); 1865 (1 volume); 1866 (1 volume); 1867 (1 volume); 1868 (2 volumes); 1869 (1 volume); 1870 (1 volume); 1871 (1 volume); 1872 (3 volumes); 1876 (1 volume); 1880 (1 volume); 1881 (1 volume); 1883 (1 volume); 1887 (1 volume);
Delinquent Tax Roll, 1894 (2 volumes); 1896 (1 volume); 1897 (2 volumes); 1898 (2 volumes);
Real Property Assessment Roll, 1967-1972 (20 cu.ft.);
[Real Property Assessment/Tax Roll], 1973-1990 (48 cu.ft. of computer printouts).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room:
[Continuing Real Property Assessment Roll-reduced size copies], 1967-1972 (96 binders);
Summary Book [of Assessment and Tax Roll], 1932-present (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Finance and Taxation Department Old Jail Storage Room:
[Continuing Tax Roll], 1959-1973 (60 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Finance and Taxation Department Office Counter:
[Tax Roll], 1989-present (20 inches of microfiche).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
[Delinquent Tax List-rolled], 1916-1931 (.35 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Columbia County Reference Tax Roll, 1990-1995 (1 binder of microfiche);
Delinquent Tax Rolls, 1887-1892 (1 volume);
Exhibit A [Statement of Delinquent Taxes], 1891 (1 volume);
Register of Taxes Collected, 1893 (1 volume);
Sheriff's Return on Tax Warrant [Delinquent Taxes], 1893-1894, 1898 (3 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Statement of Assessment and Tax Roll, 1930 (1 volume);
Summary of Assessment and Tax Roll, 1932-1982 (48 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Assessment and Taxation Web Query [Searchable Database], n.d.-present;
Certified Tax Roll Data [includes assessment and tax roll summaries], 2007-present.
​
1913-1964 

Series documents the registration of business names with the county clerk or recorder. Information includes assumed business name; description of business; filing date; and business owner, notary public, witness, clerk or recorder, and deputy's name. Series may also include an index arranged alphabetically by business name. Businesses which were registered were typically automotive sales, motorcycle repair, merchandise shops, butchers, and feed stores. Since 1964, assumed business names have been filed with the Secretary of State. Assumed business names have been inventoried through 1964. For more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Business Registry Section. 

Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Assumed Business Name Record [title varies-volume 1 with index], vol. 1-3, 1913-1964 (3 volumes); 
Index to Assumed Business Names and Articles of Incorporation, vol. 1, 1913-1964 (1 volume).
​
1886-1997 

Series documents liens placed on real property by the county to satisfy debts. Attachments are ordered by the circuit court and authorize the sheriff to seize or transfer property to satisfy debts such as loans, mortgages, or tax liens. The sheriff will hold the property in trust until the debt is paid or the property is sold. Information includes defendant name, statement of attachment, property description, statement of return when attachment is satisfied, return of execution, dates attachment is issued and returned, court order, and sheriff's signature. Attachment records have been inventoried through 1920.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
General Index [to Real Estate Attachments], vol. 1, 1893-1997 (1 volume);
Record Certificate of Real Estate Attachments, vol. 2, 1914-1928 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Attachment Register, no. 1, 1893-1927 (1 volume); 
Index to Certificate of Real Estate Attachments, 1893-1960 (1 volume);
Record Certificate of Real Estate Attachments, no. 1, 1893-1914 (1 volume); 
Record of Certificates of Attachments of Real Estate, 1886-1893 (1 volume).
​​1907-1929 

Series documents the recording of births by the county. Records include certificates, affidavits for correction, registers, delayed entry for births and corrected entries. Information includes registration number; child's name, sex, legitimacy, birth date, and birthplace; name, residence, color, age, birthplace, and occupation of father and mother; number of other children born to mother; signature of physician or midwife; filing date; and registrar's signature. Birth records were not required by the state of Oregon until 1903 when the state began to officially register births. Currently these records are filed with the State Registrar, Vital Statistics Section​ of the Health Division. Birth records have been inventoried through 1920. For information concerning more recent records, contact the State Registrar. Also see Delayed Birth Records series for related records. Access to birth records is restricted for 100 years following the date of birth by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Record of Births, 1907-1915 (1 volume);
Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1929 (1 volume).
​
​​1850-1905 

Series documents the population, property, and agricultural production of the county. Records may include census rolls and abstracts, farm schedules, abstract of assessment and census, enumeration of inhabitants and industrial products, and enumeration of inhabitants and military enrollment. Information includes number of males and females per age category; head of household; name, age, and gender of household members; occupation and relationship of household members to head of household; and description and value of real and personal property. Information may also include nationality, physical description, birthplace, health, and religion of household members and agricultural production statistics.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Census Records, 1856 (.10 cu.ft.);
Enumeration of the Inhabitants and Military Enrollment of Columbia County [Census Record], 1905 (1 volume);​​
Tax Roll and Census, 1865 (1 volume);

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Census of Columbia County [Abstract], 1880 (1 volume);
Clatskanie Area Census [Abstract], 1900 (1 volume);
Columbia County Census [Abstract], 1860 (1 volume);
Rainier Area Census [Abstract], 1900 (1 volume).
1854-1991

Series documents cases heard before the circuit courts and the U.S. district courts. U.S. district courts were administered by the federal government during the territorial period and subsequently replaced by the circuit courts upon statehood in 1859. Case files include exhibits, transcripts, indexes, and legal documents such as indictments, subpoenas, fee bills, articles of agreement, bonds, summons, executions, petitions, and injunctions. The case files document civil and criminal actions such as debt, theft, divorce, land claims, arson, murder, rape, assault and battery, and boundary conflicts. Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the trial court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
[Judgment Rolls-Circuit Court Case Files], no. 1-5551, 1854-1924 (63 cu.ft.).​

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
[Circuit Court Judgment Rolls], no. 7711-7895, 1931-ca.1933 (2 cu.ft.);
Index to Judgment Rolls [Direct and Reverse], 1854-1930 (1 volume);
Journal [Judgment Roll Register], ca.1854-n.d. (1 volume);
Transcripts from Justice Court [includes some circuit court records], 1913-1917 (1 cu.ft.);
Transcripts from Other Counties [Circuit Court Transcripts of Judgment], 1930-1947 (.60 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
[Circuit Court Case Files-in locked circuit court black cabinet], no. 5552-30180, 1924-1983 (339 reels of microfilm);
Circuit Court Name Index Pre and Post OJIN [Oregon Judicial Information Network-to case files], ca.1972-ca.1991 (1 volume of computer printouts);
General Index [to mining, judgments, complaints, divorce, insane, and guardianships], 1941-1945 (1 volume);
Index to Circuit Court Case Files, 1854-1973 (2 volumes);
[Index to Circuit Court Case Files], 1973-1987 (3 volumes).
1854-1989

Series records brief entries about the proceedings of court cases. Information includes date; plaintiff and defendant names; cause of action such as larceny, assault, divorce, or receivership; attorney names; and final disposition of the case. Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the state court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Bar Docket [Circuit Court], vol. A, 1893-1899 (1 volume);
Circuit Court Register [and County Court-with index], vol. A, 1879-1890 (1 volume); 
Fee Book of the Circuit Court [and Docket], vol. A, 1854-1868 (1 volume); vol. A, 1854-1870 (1 reel of microfilm);
Record of Trials Circuit Court, vol. 4-8, 1937-1989 (5 volumes); 
Record of Trials [with index], vol. 1-2, 1894-1923 (2 volumes);
Register of Actions [Circuit Court-with index], no. 1-6, 1897-1925 (6 volumes); 
Register of Actions Circuit Court [with index], vol. 2, 1889-1897 (1 volume); 
Trial Docket of Circuit Court [includes county court actions], 1880-1889 (1 volume);
Trial Docket Criminal, 1889-1898 (1 volume);
Trial Docket Equity, vol. A-C, 1898-1926 (3 volumes); 
Trial Docket Law, vol. A-C, 1893-1925 (3 volumes);
Trial Docket of the Circuit Court, 1859-1881 (1 volume);
U.S. District Court Case Docket, 1854 (.10 cu.ft.); 1854 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Circuit Court [Dockets], no. 13835-31500, vol. 15-38, 1957-1984 (24 volumes); 
Register of Actions [Circuit Court-0with index], no. 7-14, 1925-1969 (8 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Circuit Court Old Jail Storage Room 1:
Record of Trials [with index], vol. 3, 1923-1936 (1 volume).
​
1854-1983 

Series records chronological narratives of the proceedings of the court including actions taken such as decrees, judgments, arrangements, sentences, dismissals, and grand jury reports. Information includes plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; term of court; character and date of case; case number; and date of issue. The term "judgment" refers to judicial decisions regarding the verdict, decision, or judgment rendered by the court and is distinct from those judgments relating to the recovery of court costs and awards (see Judgment and Execution Dockets). Circuit court records continue after 1983 under authority of the state and are maintained by the trial court administrator. Circuit court records have been inventoried through 1983. For information on more recent court records, contact the trial court administrator. Portions of these records may be restricted. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Circuit Court Index [to Circuit Court Journals vol. V-Y], vol. 3, n.d. ( volume); 
Circuit Court Journal, vol. B-C, 1878-1893 (2 volumes);
Index Circuit Court Journal [Direct and Reverse], vol. 1-2, 1854-n.d. (2 volumes); 
Record Circuit Court, vol. A, 1854-1878 (1 volume).​

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Circuit Court Journal, vol. 30-33, 1955-1958 (4 volumes);
Circuit Court [Journal-in locked circuit court black cabinet], vol. 33-44, 1958-1967 (18 reels of microfilm); 
[Circuit Court Journal-in locked circuit court black cabinet], vol. 44-95, 1967-1982 (48 inches of aperture cards); 
Daily Work [Circuit Court Journal-filmed daily with other county and court records], ca.1967-ca.1983 (ca.170 reels of microfilm).
1854-1969 

Series documents the recording of a variety of legal documents filed in the clerk's or recorder's office. These documents were not required to be filed with the clerk and often included filings such as birth and marriage certificates of individuals who were born or married outside of the county but wanted the document to be filed in their county of residence. Other documents include wills, obligation bonds, quit claims, deeds, conveyances, mortgage satisfactions, agreements, charters, partnership dissolutions, contracts, powers of attorney, liens, leases, marriage licenses, military discharges, ministerial certificates, medical personnel licenses, birth and death certificates, and affidavits of publication. Information includes dates filed, name of individual filing, type of action, and volume and page number where recorded. Series may also include alphabetical indexes of individuals filing a recording. Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings have been inventoried through 1965. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings [drawer 69], vol. A-B, 1854-1865 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Miscellaneous and Marriages [Records], vol. A, 1854-1865 (1 volume);
Miscellaneous Records [title varies], vol. B-M, 1857-1958 (12 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Private Office, Side Room:
Index to Miscellaneous Records Direct and Indirect, 1950-1969 (1 volume); 
Miscellaneous Books [Record], no. 1-9, 1958-1967 (9 reels of microfilm). 

Records at FamilySearch.org (free registration required): 
Marriage Records and Miscellaneous [Record-includes document images], vol. A, 1854-1865 (family​search.org​).
​
1988-[ongoing]

Series documents the filing of transactions, authorized by statute, with the clerk or recorder of the county for the purpose of making the transaction a matter of public record. Information includes dates filed, type and description of transactions, filing numbers, names of parties involved, amounts charged or assessed, and clerk or recorder's signatures. Series may include alphabetical indexes that contain volume and page numbers where recorded and names of individual filing transactions. Transactions include records that were previously maintained separately, such as mortgages; deeds; military service records; federal, mechanic's, and road improvement liens; mining claims; satisfactions; judgment assignments; notarial commissions; medical and ministerial licenses; oaths; and affidavits of publication. This series is commonly referred to as the Book of Records.

Beginning in 1988, the clerk has recorded transactions, including deeds and mortgages, in one series, Clerk's Recordings. Columbia County currently uses an electronic system to image and index recordings and other county records. Public research computers are available at the clerk's office. Microfilm is output from this system and sent to the Security Copy Depository at the Oregon State Archives.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
[Clerk's Recordings], no. 88.0001-03.111354, 1988-2003 (120 feet of aperture cards); no. 03.10938-04.04974, 2003-2004 (ca.30 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
[Clerk's Recordings-Security Copy], 1988-2001 (ca.64 feet of aperture cards); 
Daily Work [Clerk's Recordings-Security Copy], no. 04.00001-2011.02393, 2004-2011 (178 reels of microfilm).
​
​1854-[ongoing]

Series documents all administrative actions of the board of county commissioners and the county court. In most counties, the board of county commissioners has assumed the administrative duties and responsibilities of the county court. Administrative actions include levying taxes; budgeting; approving appropriations; appointing county officials; approving officials bonds and annual reports; receiving petitions and remonstrances concerning county roads; defining and establishing county roads; calling bond elections for the construction of county buildings; compiling jury lists and conducting hearings; approving salaries and expenses of county officials; confirming elections; and issuing licenses for such things as liquor, ferries, warehouses, and groceries. The series may be referred to as the County Court Administrative Journal, Commissioner's Minutes, County Court Docket, or Board of Commissioners Meeting Records.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Commissioner Journal Pre. A [predates volume A], 1854-1858 (1 volume);
Commissioner Journal, vol. A, 1859-1875 (1 volume);
Commissioners' Journal, vol. E-R, 1900-1968 (14 volumes);
Commissioners Journal, vol. Y-Z, 1-39, 1974-1993 (20 inches of microfiche);
Daily Work [Commissioners Journals-filmed daily with other county and court records], ca.1967-ca.1988 (ca.190 reels of microfilm);
Index to Commissioners Records [title varies], vol. 1-6, 1859-2002 (6 volumes);
Journal of County Business, vol. B-D, 1875-1900 (3 volumes);
Miscellaneous [Commissioners Journal], vol. C-X, 1885-ca.1973 (26 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
BOC Index [Board of Commissioners], 1984-1993 (1 binder);
Commissioners Journal Alphabetical File Listing Index [includes references to orders, ordinances, and resolutions], 1994-present (2 binders);
Commissioners Journals [Filings and Related Records-includes subject related agreements, contracts, memoranda, and related documents], ca.1993-present (25 cu.ft.);
Commissioners Journal, vol. C-E, 1885-1906 (3 reels of microfilm); vol. O-X, 1951-ca.1973 (8 reels of microfilm);
Commissioners Journal, vol. Y-Z, 1-39, 1974-1993 (24 inches of aperture cards);
Minutes BOC [Board of Commissioners Minutes], 1958-present (12 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
BOC Jrl. Agmts. [Board of Commissioners Journal Agreements], 1991-1992 (1 cu.ft.);
Commissioners Journal Agreements, 1972-1985 (1 cu.ft.); 1986-1989 (1 cu.ft.);
Comm. Jl. Keep [Commissioners' Records-includes orders], 1959-1962 (1 cu.ft.);
County Commissioners Docket, vol. 1, 1893-1896 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Web Site:
BOC Agendas and Minutes​ [Board of Commissioners], 2008-present​.
​​1959-[ongoing]

Series documents orders, ordinances, and resolutions passed by the board of county commissioners and the county court regulating and establishing guidelines for specific activities within the county. Information includes activity covered by order, ordinance, or resolution; administrative action number; who introduced; findings of fact; conclusions; recommendations; date heard; and hearings officer name and signature. Activities include noise abatement, nuisances, zoning, animal control, solid waste management, land division regulations, elections, comprehensive plan,​ road and bridge use limits.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Commissioners Journal Alphabetical File Listing Index [includes references to orders, ordinances, and resolutions], 1994-present (2 binders);
Orders Miscellaneous, 1992-present (4 cu.ft.);
Ordinances [County], 1983-present (2.50 cu.ft.);
Resolutions [County], 1988-present (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office:
Board Orders [Commissioners-planning related], 1997-present (5 binders);
C.C.Z.O. [Columbia County Zoning Ordinance Housekeeping Amendments], 1999 (1 binder);
Comp Plan and Zoning Ordinance Legislative History [Records-Comprehensive], 1970-present (9 binders);
Old Subdivision & Partitioning Ordinance, 1963-1984 (1 binder);
Ord 83.7 [Zoning Ordinance], 1983 (1 binder);
S.P.O. Legislative HX [Subdivision and Partition Ordinance Amendments], 1974-2001 (1 binder);
Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance, ca.1992-ca.2000 (1 binder);
Zoning Ordinance, 1984 (1 binder).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Old Jail Storage Room:
Legislative Amendments [includes amendments to the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1990-2004 (5 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Com. Jrl. Misc. Orders [Commissioners' Journal Miscellaneous], 1990-1991 (1 cu.ft.);
Comm. Jl. Keep [Commissioners' Records-includes orders], 1959-1962 (1 cu.ft.);
Miscellaneous Orders and Resolutions, 1966-1969 (.10 cu.ft.);
Resolutions, 1971-1987 (.60 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Mass Gathering Ordinance, 2006-present;
1853-[ongoing] 

Series documents the establishment and/or restoration of survey corners or monuments by the county surveyor or registered land surveyors. Records include maps, field survey restoration notes, historical notes, and indexes. Information includes description of corners; existing markers; descriptions of new markers and any changes made to the locations; property owners; township, range, and section numbers; donation land claim information; date the new markers were set; and surveyor's signatures.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Counter End:
Bearing Trees and U.S. Corners [title varies], vol. A-D, 1885-2011 (7 volumes);
Index to Bearing Tree Books [Visual Map Indexes-includes General Land Office references], ca.1853-ca.2011 (1 volume); 
L.F. Co. [Longview Fiber Company Bearing Tree Books], ca.1948-ca.1985 (4 binders); 
U.S. Gov't Corner Restorations B.T. Book "CS" [Bearing Trees Land Corner Record], 1986-2009 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Storage Room:
GLO BTs [General Land Office Bearing Trees-Field Note Copies], ca.1853-1941 (3 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Break Room:
[Corner Restoration and Land Survey Field Books], ca.1890-ca.2010 (ca.8 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office: 
Microfilm Bearing Tree Books, vol. A-C, ca.1853-1984 (8 inches of aperture cards). ​
​​
​​1880-1958 

Series records the results of the examination of a corpse by the county coroner at the request of the county sheriff. It also documents the proceedings and results of inquests ordered by the district attorney. Reports include date filed; name, age, sex, race, parentage, and birthplace of deceased; date, place, and time of death; names of undertaker and coroner; testimony; and costs. Early reports were narrative accounts detailing the cause of death. After 1900, a standardized form was used for reporting results. Inquest transcripts include coroner and juror names, signatures, and actions; witness names; testimony; and verdict. Coroner and inquest records have been​ inventoried through 1965.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Coroner's Inquest [includes reports], 1911-1933 (1 cu.ft.); 
Coroners Inquest [Records-trifolded], ca.1880-ca.1910 (ca..50 cu.ft.).​
Coroner's Report [includes inquest records], 1934-1949, 1958 (1 cu.ft.); 
Index to Coroner's Inquests, n.d. (1 volume);
​1922-[ongoing] 

Series documents the annual allotment of funds for county government operations as agreed to by the board of commissioners. Information includes total amount of funds budgeted for each office. Later budgets may include organizational charts and a narrative of each county office function. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Budget Book [County], 1961-1962 (1 volume);
[County Budget], 1947-1961 (1 volume); 
County Budgets, 1922-1941 (2 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
[County Budgets-stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet], 1962-2014 (3.50 cu.ft.);
Past Co. Budgets, Schools & Districts [County], 1961-1972 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Finance and Taxation Department Old Jail Storage Room:
Budget Books [County], 1967-1985 (1.20 cu.ft.).​

Records at the Columbia County Website: 
County Budget​, 2015-present.
​
​1970-[ongoing]

Series documents the development and revision of a plan for the use of lands within the county. Series includes plans for transportation, energy, housing, population and economics, public facilities and services, urbanization, natural resources, greenways, recreation, agricultural and forest lands, land capability, resource quality, floodplains, landmarks, historic property, rural community center designation, and natural areas. Each plan includes background information about the subject; supporting documentation such as maps, charts, and diagrams; and a narrative description of each aspect of the plan and how it is to be implemented. Series may also include an overall "comprehensive plan" which contains historical and current looks at county land practices and defines goals and policies adhered to during the creation and implementation of the plan.

Columbia County's comprehensive plan was acknowledged by the state in 1984. Changes made to the plan appear as replacement pages in the original plan. The original plan and its subsequent amendments have been filed with the clerk and may be found in the Commissioner's Journal.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office:
Columbia County Comprehensive Plan [includes a technical appendix], 1984-present (1 binder);
Comp Plan Amended [Comprehensive], 1984-1985 (1 binder); 
​Comp Plan and Zoning Ordinance Legislative History [Records-Comprehensive], 1970-present (9 binders);
Comp. Plan Legislative HX [Comprehensive Plan Amendments], 1979-ca.2013 (2 binders); 
Technical Appendix to the Columbia County Comprehensive Plan, ca.1984-present (4 binders).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office Counter:
Comprehensive Plan, 1984-2011 (1 binder);
[Miscellaneous Comprehensive Plan Related Maps-includes wildlife game habitat, wetlands, threatened wildlife, stream classification, earthquake hazard, etc.], 1988-1999 (ca.100 maps).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Old Jail Storage Room:
Legislative Amendments [includes amendments to the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1990-2004 (5 cu.ft.);
Stream Classification Maps [actually includes wetlands, habitat, etc. maps], 1995 (ca.20 maps).

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Columbia Co​unty Web Maps​​ [GIS Database-includes assessor maps, subdivision and partition plats, survey plats, aerial photographs, zoning maps, urban growth boundaries, districts, roads, and related information], n.d.-present;
Comprehensive Plan, 1984-2017;
1867-1900 

Series documents the actions of the county court in civil and some criminal cases. Records include complaints, judgments, decrees, summonses, warrants, affidavits, writs, and an index. County court cases include spousal support, employment compensation, satisfaction of judgments, and divorce. Information includes judge, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; case type; and filing dates of actions and decrees. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
County Court Judicial Documents [includes process samples, orders, affidavits, and petitions] 1880-1892 (.10 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
County Court Case Files [Judgment Roll for the County Court-includes some unnumbered cases], no. 1-45, 1867-1900 (.40 cu.ft.).
1854-1975 

Series records the proceedings of the county court for civil and some criminal cases. Information includes judge, plaintiff, defendant, and attorney names; trial date; memorandum of subsequent proceedings; and fees charged. Cases include citizenship petitions, legal changes to name, commitments, and writs of habeas corpus. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Circuit Court Register [and County Court-with index], vol. A, 1879-1890 (1 volume); ​
County Court Docket, 1873-1878 (1 reel of microfilm);
Docket [County Court Judicial], 1854 (1 reel of microfilm);
Fee Book Probate and County Court [includes court actions and dates], 1859-1885 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Trial Docket of Circuit Court [includes county court actions], 1880-1889 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
County Court Docket [shared volume with Record of Land Claims-stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet], 1873-1878 (1 volume);
Law Journal [County Court-includes some adoption and pension and relief entries], vol. B-C, 1889-1975 (2 volumes); 
Miscellaneous [County Court Docket], 1873-1878 (1 reel of microfilm);  
Record Journal of the County Court [Judicial-includes naturalization entries], vol. A, 1859-1889 (1 volume).
1940-[ongoing]

Series documents the preparation and organization of the county fair by the county fair board (including any predecessor group) and other county officials. Records include fair board minutes, reports, and annual premium lists and publications. Minutes and reports include information pertaining to county fair employment, budgets, sponsorship, capital improvements to fairgrounds, and event scheduling throughout the year. Annual premium lists and/or publications may include county fair history, names of fair officers, general fair rules and regulations, event schedules, exhibit lists, and photographs.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office: 
Fair Board Meeting Minutes, 2004-2011 (1 binder); [Fair Board Minutes, 2012-present (1 binder); Minutes Fair [Board], 1979-2003 (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, Fair Office:
Columbia County Fair and Rodeo [Fair Book], 2015-present (2 volumes);
Fair Board Minutes, 2006-present (2 binders).

Records at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, Fair Office Shop Area: 
Fair Board Minutes, 1957-1971 (1 binder); [Fair Board Minutes], 1971-1974 (1 binder); 1975-1979 (1 binder); 1980-1987 (1 binder); 1987-1992 (1 binder); 1993-1996 (1 binder); 1997-1998 (1 binder); 1999-2004 (1 binder); 2004-2005 (1 binder).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Premium List [County Fair-cataloged-title varies], 1951-1952 (2 volumes); 1954-1955 (2 volumes); 1957 (1 volume); 1960-1962 (3 volumes); 1964-1965 (2 volumes);
Premium List [County Fair-uncataloged-title varies], 1940 (1 volume); 1949 (1 volume); 1951-1968 (18 volumes); 1973-1974 (2 volumes); 1976-1977 (2 volumes); 1992 (1 volume); 1994 (1 volume).
1884-1989 

Series reports the activities of county officials to the county court or board of county commissioners. Series may include reports by the treasurer, surveyor, clerk, roadmaster, assessor, sheriff, school superintendent, and county nurse or doctor. Reports summarize the activities of county officials and their staff as they perform their official duties. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Financial Statements [Semi-Annual Sheriff and Treasurer Statements and Reports], 1893-1912 (1 volume); vol. 2, 1912-1949 (1 volume); 
Report of County Herd Inspector, 1930-1950 (1 cu.ft.);
Statement of Financial Affairs of County [Treasurer Semi-annual Reports], vol. A, 1887-1893 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault, Closet Oak Cabinet: 
[Expert Reports-includes interfiled trifolded clerk, sheriff, and treasurer reports], 1905-1913 (ca..40 cu.ft.); 
Semi-Annual Reports, Etc. [County Officials-trifolded], ca.1884-ca.1897 (ca..60 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Annual Reports/Monthly Reports [Clerk, Sheriff, Treasurer, Justice of the Peace], vol. 1-7, 1962-1986 (7 volumes);
Semi-Annual Reports of County Officials, 1934-1989 (.50 cu.ft.).
​​1907-1929
Series documents the recording of deaths in the county. Records include registers and certificates. Information includes registration number; place and date of death; name, sex, color, birth date and place, age, and marital status of the deceased; names and birthplaces of parents; primary and contributory cause of death; physician, registrar, and informant signatures; filing date; and date and place of burial. Death records were not required by the state of Oregon until 1903 when the state began to officially register deaths. County death records have been inventoried through 1920. Access to death records is restricted for 50 years following the date of death by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096. Contact the Oregon State Archives for access to state death certificates that are more than 50 years old. Contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics ​for access to more recent death certificates.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1929 (1 volume);
 Record of Deaths, 1907-1915 (1 volume).
​
1854-[ongoing]

Series documents the ownership of land. Series includes deeds, land sales contracts, quit claim deeds, homestead exemption claims, corporate certificates, agreements, correction deeds, special assessments of unzoned farmland, easements, and indirect and direct deed indexes. Information includes grantor and grantee name; recording and filing dates; property descriptions; title warranties; consideration amounts; witness and recorder names; and volume and page numbers of where recorded.

Since 1988 deeds have been filed with the Clerk's Recordings. See Clerk and Recorder Official Filings.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Direct Index to Deeds, Grantor-Grantee, ca.1854-1895 (1 reel of microfilm);
Inverted Index to Deeds, Grantee-Grantor, ca.1854-1895 (1 reel of microfilm);
Record of Deeds, 1854-1870 (2 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Daily Work [Deed Records-filmed daily with other county and court records], ca.1967-ca.1988 (ca.190 reels of microfilm);
Old Deed Rolls [Deed Book-title varies], vol. A-Z, 2-151, 1854-1962 (ca.90 reels of microfilm);
Deed Record [combined typescript volumes], vol. A-D, 1854-1870 (1 volume);
Deed Record, vol. E-Z, 1870-1903 (2 volumes); vol. 2-137, 1902-1958 (136 volumes);
Deeds Etc. to Columbia Co. Oregon, ca.1913-1927 (.40 cu.ft.);
Deeds Etc. to Columbia County [stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet], 1927-present (1.50 cu.ft.);
Deeds, vol. 166-272, 1967-1987 (40.50 feet of aperture cards);
Direct Deed Index [stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet], 1854-1895 (1 volume);
Direct Deed Index [title varies], vol. 1-3, 1854-1911 (3 volumes);
[Direct Index to Deeds], 1854-1895 (1 reel of microfilm);
Index to Deeds Direct, [combined volumes A to K and L to Z], vol. 6-7, 1944-1965 (2 volumes);
Index to Deeds Direct, vol. 1, 1854-1894 (1 volume); vol. 4-5, 1912-1943 (2 volumes); vol. 8-11, 1966-1988 (4 volumes);
Index to Deeds Indirect, [combined volumes A to K and L to Z], vol. 6-7, 1944-1965 (2 volumes);
Index to Deeds Indirect, vol. 1, 1854-1894 (1 volume); vol. 4-5, 1912-1943 (2 volumes); vol. 8-11, 1966-1988 (4 volumes);
Indirect Deed Index [title varies], vol. 1-3, 1854-1911 (3 volumes);
Inverted Index to Deeds [stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet], 1854-1895 (1 volume);
Miscellaneous [Deeds], vol. A-D, 1854-1870 (2 reels of microfilm);
Miscellaneous [Direct Deed Index], vol. 6-10, 1944-1983 (3 reels of microfilm);
Miscellaneous [Inverted Index to Deeds], 1854-1895 (1 reel of microfilm);
Record of Deeds [stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet-title varies], vol. A-D, 1854-1870 (4 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Deed Books, vol. A-Z, 1-166, 1854-1967 (135 reels of microfilm);
Deeds, vol. 166-272, 1967-1987 (38 feet of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
[Miscellaneous Trifolded Documents-includes deeds, mortgages, maps, plans, homestead papers, brand records, liens, etc.], ca.1888-ca.1905 (2 cu.ft.).

Records at FamilySearch.org (free registration required):
Deed Records [includes document images], vol. A-Z, 2-30, 1854-1928 (familysearch.​org);
Index to Deeds Direct [includes document images], vol. 1-7, 1854-1965 (familysearch.org);
Index to Deeds Indirect ​[includes document images], vol. 1-7, 1854-1965 (familysearch.org);
Index to Deeds Original [Direct and Indirect-includes document images], 1854-1894 (familysearch.org).
​
​​​1871-1971 

Series documents birth records generated by a court in response to a petition. Records may include petitions, decrees or orders, affidavits of correction, registers, and certificates. If the information provided with the petition met the requirements of the court, a decree was issued that served as a legal birth document. Most petitions were filed decades after the actual birth. They were filed in the county of residence at the time of petition, not necessarily in the county of birth. Dates listed in brackets document the range of actual birth dates. Date ranges for court actions such as petitions and decrees are also included. Also see Birth Records series for related records. Access to birth records is restricted for 100 years following the date of birth by Oregon Administrative Rule 333-011-0096. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:​
Delayed Birth Records [includes applications, affidavits, petitions, decrees, and certificates-documents births from ca.1871 to ca.1934-trifolded], 1939-1971 (.50 cu.ft.); 
Record of Births [includes county and circuit court delayed birth entries documenting births from ca.1871 to ca.1934], 1939-1971 (1 volume).
​
1905-1942 

Series documents the division of property to be awarded to the widow or widower of a deceased spouse as determined by commissioners appointed by the county court. Information includes a description of the division of land based on survey results, commissioners' names, and report and recording dates. Reports may also include surveyor's names and fees charged. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Record [County Court-includes primarily admeasurement of dower], 1905-1942 (1 volume).
​
1854-1914

Series documents the registration of voters and the compilation of election results. Records may include the election poll books and/or the election voter register. Information includes elector's name and party affiliation, and in some cases, physical description, occupation, naturalization information, and names of parents and spouse. Election poll books and voter registration records have been inventoried through 1930. For information on more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division, the county clerk, or the local elections official.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Election Poll Books [Precinct Register], 1900 (13 volumes);
Official Registers of Electors, 1908 (1 volume); 1912 (1 volume); 1914 (1 volume);
Poll Books [Election Precinct-includes loose voting tally sheets and summaries], 1854-1887 (2 reels of microfilm); 1869-1884 (.55 cu.ft.); 1887 (.20 cu.ft.);
Precinct Register [Election], 1914 (21 volumes);
Registration Blanks "A" [Voter Register], 1914 (1 volume).​

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
File Book Registration Blanks A [Voter], 1900 (1 volume); 1904 (1 volume);
General Register [Voter], 1902 (1 volume); 1906 (1 volume);
Official Register of Electors, 1900 (1 volume); 1904 (1 volume); 1910 (1 volume);
Official Registration Blank A [Voter], 1902 (2 volumes); 1910 (1 volume);
[Precinct Registers and Poll Books-combined by location], 1890-1912 (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Museum Old Jail Storage Room:
Blanks A [Voter Registration Register], vol. 3, 1902 (1 volume);
File Book and Registration Blanks [Voter], 1912 (1 volume);
File Book No. 1 Registration Blanks A [Voter], 1904 (1 volume); 1908 (1 volume);
[File Book No. 1 Registration Blanks A-Voter], 1906 (1 volume);
File Book No. 2 Registration Blanks A [Voter], 1908 (1 volume); 1910 (1 volume); 1914 (1 volume);
File Book No. 3 Registration Blanks A [Voter], 1906 (1 volume); 1908 (1 volume); 1910 (1 volume);
File Book No. 4 [Voter Registration Blanks], 1914 (1 volume);
Registration Blank A [Voter], 1912 (2 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Miscellaneous [Voter Registration Poll Books], 1854-ca.1887 (2 reels of microfilm).
1854-1964

Series documents the tabulation and reporting of election results for the county. Records include voting abstracts and the record of election. Information includes election date; precinct name and number; office; precinct and total votes; victory margin; winning candidate; county clerk, board of canvasser, and justice of the peace signatures; ballot number; summation of votes; and election board's decision. Election voting abstracts have been inventoried through 1960. For information on more recent records, contact the Secretary of State, Elections Division, the county clerk, or the local elections official. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
[Abstract of Votes], 1854-1888 (1 reel of microfilm);
Poll Books [Election Precinct-includes loose voting tally sheets and summaries], 1854-1887 (2 reels of microfilm); 1869-1884 (.55 cu.ft.); 1887 (.20 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Tally Sheet [Election Record], 1890 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Miscellaneous [Abstract of Votes], 1854-1888 (1 reel of microfilm); 
Record of Elections [no volume number ], 1910-1927 (2 volumes);
Record of Elections, vol. 1, 1894-1908 (1 volume); vol. 2-4, 1928-1964 (3 volumes).
1911-1963 

Series documents the application for and registration of farm names with the county clerk or recorder. Records may include registers, original applications, or certificates. Information includes owner's name and address; farm name, location, and description; and date and number of application and final application. Series may also include an index arranged either alphabetically by name of owner or by farm name. Farm name records have been inventoried through 1964.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Certificate of Farm Name [Stubs], 1911-1963 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Farm Names [Registration Records-trifolded], 1912-1953 (.15 cu.ft.); 
Register of Farm Names, vol. 1, 1911-1953 (1 volume).
1854-1957

Series records ownership of county lands obtained from the federal government. Series includes records of land grants administered under federal programs such as donation land claims and homesteads. Donation land claims are the most common type of federal land grant in Oregon that is documented in this inventory project. Donation land claims resulted from an act of the 1850 Congress under which citizens of the United States, or those who filed a declaration of intention prior to December 1, 1850 and had resided upon or cultivated the land for four consecutive years, were granted a specified amount of acreage in the Oregon Territory. Donation land claims were unique in that acreage granted to married couples was divided evenly. Half of the acreage was placed in the husband's name while the other half was placed in the wife's name. Records include plats, indexes, and survey notes. Information includes township, range, and section numbers, names of donation land claim holders and claim numbers, claim dates, acreage, and descriptions of surveys. Under the Homestead Act of 1862, settlers were given 160 acres of land in the public domain if they built a home on the land, resided there for five years, and cultivated the land. A complete homestead entry file includes such documents as the homestead application, homestead proof, and final certificate authorizing the claimant to obtain a land patent.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Record of Land Claims [with index], 1854-1860 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Deed Record Pat'd Cash [Patent], vol. S, 1894-1928 (1 volume); 
Deed Record Patents, vol. T, 1894-1928 (1 volume); 
Miscellaneous [Record of Land Claims], 1854-1860 (1 reel of microfilm);
Record of Land Claims [shared volume with County Court Docket-stored in clerk's locked gray cabinet], 1854-1860 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office: 
Columbia County DLC Index [Donation Land Claim], n.d. (1 binder). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
[Miscellaneous Trifolded Documents-includes deeds, mortgages, maps, plans, homestead papers, brand records, liens, etc.], ca.1888-ca.1905 (2 cu.ft.). 

Records at FamilySearch.org (free registration required): 
Deed Records [Land Patents-includes document images], vol. S-T, 1894-1928 (familysearch​.org); 

Records at a Related Website:
Search Land Patents [includes patent and legal land descriptions and some document images], ca.1864-ca.1957 (BLM GLO Web site​).
​
1869-1936

Series documents the activities of the sheriff and other county officials relating to the foreclosure of property in order to satisfy creditors in cases involving delinquent taxes, mortgage payments, or court judgments. Records include correspondence, sheriff's deeds and foreclosure sale records, circuit court case transcripts of foreclosure hearings, writs of execution, certificates of sale of real property, judgment orders, receipts, tax redemption records, delinquent tax sales, and tax sale certificates. Foreclosure records have been inventoried through 1920. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Foreclosures [Certificate of Sale of Real Property by Sheriff], 1869 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Cancelled Certificates of Tax Sales, 1894-1921 (1 cu.ft.); 
[Certificates of Delinquency Issued to Columbia County], 1914-1920 (1 volume);
Cert of Tax Sales [Certificate Stub Books], 1893-ca.1905 (.80 cu.ft.); 
Record of Delinquent Tax Sales, no. 1-2, 1893-1900 ( 2 volumes); 
Tax Certificates and Certificates for Tax Sales, 1893-1896 (1 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Redemption Receipts [Foreclosure], 1900-1901 (1 volume); 
Sheriff's Tax Deeds [part of Deed Record series], vol. W, 1897-1909 (1 volume);
Tax Deed Record, vol. 1, 1898-1908 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2:
Tax Sale Record, 1915-1936 (1 volume).

Records at FamilySearch.org (free registration required):
Deed Records [Sheriff's Tax Deeds-includes document images], vol. W, 1894-1909 (familysear​ch.org).
​​
​​1874-2013

Series documents the examination, commitment, and release of mentally ill persons to and from the state's mental institutions. Series contains statements of complaint and commitment recorded by the county clerk or recorder and includes petitions to have an individual committed; physicians certification that an individual is insane; delivery warrants authorizing a county official (usually the sheriff) to take the individual to the state hospital; patient discharges; paroles or transfers; indexes; and correspondence. Information includes patient and family names, date committed, reason, physical description, and a brief family history. This series may also be known as the Insane Record, Mental Illness Record, and Mentally Ill and Feeble Minded Record. By 1968, in most counties, the commitment of the mentally ill or deficient had become the responsibility of the circuit court. Access to these records may be restricted for 75 years by Oregon Revised Statute 192.496.

The Columbia County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013. Mental commitment case files created since 2013 are maintained electronically.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Insane and Feebleminded [Mental Commitment Case Files], no. 104-744, 1911-1949 (3 cu.ft.);
Insane Papers [Commitment Case Files-trifolded], ca.1874-ca.1932 (ca..50 cu.ft.);
Search for 1874-1943 Columbia County insane commitment case files in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Circuit Court Old Jail Storage Room 3:
Insane and Feebleminded [Mental Commitment Case Files], no. 745-M1658, 1949-1994 (9.75 cu.ft.);
[Mental Commitment Case Files], no. 94.M1659-08.M214, 1994-2008 (28 cu.ft.);
Record of Insane, vol. 1-3, 1895-1982 (3 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
General Index [to mining, judgments, complaints, divorce, insane, and guardianships], 1941-1945 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Circuit Court Room 203:
[Mental Commitment Case Files], 09.M163-13.164M, 2009-2013 (5 cu.ft.).
​
1851-1931 

Series records official decisions by the court and subsequent instructions to the sheriff to recover costs and awards related to debt, divorce, and other civil cases. The record serves as the official notice of the existence of a lien. Information includes title and case number; names of plaintiff, creditor, defendant, debtor, and attorney; amount of judgment; description of property levied on; writ of execution; disposition of case; decisions on appeals; dates docketed and satisfied; and volume and page numbers where recorded. Records may include judgment dockets, execution dockets, and fee books. Judgment and execution records have been inventoried through 1920. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Judgment Lien Docket, 1854-1892 (1 volume); 1854-1892 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Judgment Lien Docket, 1892-1915 (1 volume); vol. 3, 1915-1931 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Execution Docket [with index], 1872-1892 (1 volume); 
Miscellaneous [Judgement Lien Docket], 1851-1892 (1 reel of microfilm).​
​​
1878-1941

Series documents criminal and civil cases brought before the courts of the justices of the peace. Records include grand jury indictments, complaints, judgments by confession, transcripts of judgment entries and dockets, statements of witnesses, arrest warrants, subpoenas, bills for court costs and fees, petitions for appointment of justices of the peace and constables, petitions establishing justice districts, and marriage records. Cases heard include disturbing the peace, illegal liquor sales, assault, larceny, trespassing, fraud, vagrancy, and burglary. Justice court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the local justice court.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
[Case Files-Justice Court], ca.1930-1941 (2 cu.ft.);
[Criminal Cases-Justice Court], vol. 18, 1932 (.10 cu.ft.);
Justice Court Transcript of Case, 1878 (.10 cu.ft.);
Transcripts from Justice Court [includes some circuit court records], 1913-1917 (1 cu.ft.).
​​
1857-1960

Series documents criminal and civil cases brought before justice of the peace courts. Dockets include defendant, plaintiff, attorney, witness, and juror names; action dates and nature of cases; judgments; and statements of costs. Actions include complaints, summonses, appearances, testimonies, bonds, judgments, pleas, fines, jail terms, marriages, and writs of attachment. Civil and criminal cases include larceny, burglary, recovering money or personal property, trespassing, hunting out of season, and illegal voting. Justice court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the local justice court.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
[Deer Island District Justice Court Docket], 1857-1894 (1 volume);
Docket M.J. Barrett Justices, vol. A, 1931-1932 (1 volume);
[Justice Court Docket-Small Claims-with index], 1933-1939 (1 volume);
Justice Docket Civil [Beaver Falls Precinct], 1909-1911 (1 volume);
Justice Docket Criminal [Beaver Falls Precinct-only two entries], 1913 (1 volume);
Justice Docket [Deer Island Precinct-with index], 1895-1896 (1 volume);
Justice Docket [District No. 1-St. Helens], vol. 1-5, 1911-1923 (5 volumes); vol. 9, 1925 (1 volume); vol. 11-23, 1925-1937 (13 volumes); vol. 25-26, 1939-1940 (2 volumes);
Justice Docket [District No. 3-with index], 1922-1933 (2 volumes);
Justice Docket [District No. 4], 1928-1929, 1932-1941 (3 volumes);
[Justice Docket-Union Precinct], 1888-1911 (2 volumes);
Justice Docket [Warren District No. 6-title varies], vol. A-E, 1902-1943 (7 volumes);
Record [Justice Docket-Clatskanie Precinct], 1913-1923 (1 volume);
Small Claims Docket Book [District No. 1-with index], 1919-1924 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Justice Docket Small Claims [District No. 6-with index], 1939-1941 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Justice Docket-Small Claims [District No. 1-with index], 1924-1960 (1 volume).
​1867-[ongoing]

Series documents the subdividing and partitioning of land within the county. Records include survey notes, correspondence, photographs, satisfaction of agreements, maps of subdivided and partitioned land, and contracts and permits. Information includes subdivision names; lot, street, and alley dimensions; and township, range, and section numbers of land to be subdivided or partitioned.

Subdivision plats recorded before 1909 were recorded in the Deed Record. See Deeds and Indexes.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Index of Town Plats & Subdivisions [alphabetical], n.d. (1 binder);
[Plat Index-includes subdivisions, partitions, and vacations], 1990-present (1 volume);
Plats [Subdivision], no. A1-A186B, 1909-1988 (2 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Index of Town Plats and Subdivisions [indexes plats in cabinets and deed books], ca.1889-ca.1993 (1 volume);
Partition Plats, 1990-present (ca.900 plats);
Plats [Subdivision], no. A1-A186B, 1909-1988 (2 inches of aperture cards);
Subdivisions [Plats], ca.1909-present (ca.400 plats).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office:
Old Subdivision & Partitioning Ordinance, 1963-1984 (1 binder);
[Planning and Building Case Files-includes subdivision and partition actions-by township and range], ca.1978-present (ca.500 cu.ft.);
S.P.O. Legislative HX [Subdivision and Partition Ordinance Amendments], 1974-2001 (1 binder);
Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance, ca.1992-ca.2000 (1 binder).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room:
Index to Town Lots, vol. 1, ca.1867-1913 (1 volume);
[Subdivision Lot Ownership Register], ca.1889-ca.1957 (2 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Storage Room:
Columbia County Survey Index [indexes county surveys, road surveys, subdivision and partition plats, boundary line maps, highway maps, and miscellaneous maps], ca.1873-2015 (1 binder);
[Partition Plats], 2008-present (ca.200 plats);
Plat Book [Subdivision], vol. 7, 2006-present (ca.100 plats).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Old Jail Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats-includes town, subdivision, and survey plats, district maps, building plans, road plats, aerial photographs, sewer lines, topographical maps, and other related records and subjects-rolled], ca.1937-present (ca.600 maps and drawings);
Partition Plats, 1990-2007 (ca.700 plats);
Plat Book [Subdivision], vol. 1-6, ca.1909-2006 (ca.300 plats).

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Columbia County Web Maps ​[GIS Database-includes assessor maps, subdivision and partition plats, survey plats, aerial photographs, zoning maps, urban growth boundaries, districts, roads, and related information], n.d.-present;
1872-1991

Series records the ownership of land within the county. Records may include title registers, land indexes, land registration registers, torrens registry of titles, indexes to registered land, certificates of title, town lot indexes, ownership registers, and plat books. Information includes parties involved, land descriptions, dates, number and nature of titles, subdivisions, title holders, terms, discharge dates, and registrar's signatures. The torrens system of land registration was abolished in 1972 by Oregon law. Additional land ownership records may be found in the Deeds and Indexes series.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Township Plat Book of Ownership, n.d. (3 volumes);
Township Plat Books, 1909-1920 (17 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Land Registration Docket, vol. 1, 1905-1924 (1 volume);
Registered Title Certificates [Transfer Record], ca.1906-ca.1938 (.35 cu.ft.);
Registered Titles [Docket], vol. 1-3, 16, 18-23, 1912-1920 (5 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Present Ownership Record Lands, vol. 1, ca.1906 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Cancelled Reg. Title Cert. [Transfer Certificates of Title Cancellations], 1932-1985 (.40 cu.ft.);
Owner's Index-Land Register, n.d. (1 volume);
Reception Record-Registered Titles, 1907-1991 (1 volume);
[Registered Land Records-Title Record], no. 1-6101, 1907-1969 (6 cu.ft.);
Register of Titles, vol. 1-4, 1906-1969 (4 volumes);
Tract Index Lands, n.d. (1 volume);
Tract Index Lots, n.d. (1 volume);
Transfer Certificate of Title Cancellations [Record], ca.1909-ca.1952 (.50 cu.ft.);
[Transfer Certificate of Title-Cancelled-Record], 1936-1952 (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room:
[Land Ownership Plat Books-includes old colored drawings], n.d. (3 volumes);
[Land Ownership Registers], ca.1897-ca.1943 (7 volumes);
Present Ownership [Register and Plat Book], n.d. (22 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2:
Township Range [Land Ownership Register and Plat Book-no volume numbers], ca.1876-ca.1928 (5 volumes);
Township Range [Land Ownership Register and Plat Book], vol. 3-8, ca.1872-ca.1956 (6 volumes).
​1865-[ongoing]

Series provides a visual representation of the county and of physical structures constructed on county lands. Series includes maps, plans, and drawings that vary in size, scale, and date. Included are maps, plans, and drawings of counties and cities, election precincts, courthouses and other county buildings, cemeteries, rivers, Indian reservations, school districts, construction projects, and soil classifications. General road maps may be found in the series titled Road and Bridge Records. Technical road survey maps may be found in the series titled Road Maps and Survey Notes.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
CC Fair [Columbia County Fairgrounds Building Plans], 1925 (ca.10 drawings);
[City of Vernonia Map], 1960 (1 map);
Clatskanie Area Map, 1966 (2 maps);
Col. Hy. [Columbia River Highway Map], 1941 (1 map);
Columbia City, St. Helens and Vicinity [Map], n.d. (1 map);
Columbia County Courthouse Study [includes site plan], 1966 (1 map);
[Columbia County Road Index Map-includes vicinity information], 1978 (1 map); [Districts Map], 1958 (1 map);
Extra Large City of Rainier [Map], 1952 (1 map);
Extra Large St. Helens [Map], 1950 (1 map);
Fairgrounds [Plans], 1925 (ca.10 drawings);
Jail and Courthouse Construction [Plans and Specifications], ca.1925-ca.1939 (2 cu.ft.);
[Miscellaneous Trifolded Documents-includes deeds, mortgages, maps, plans, homestead papers, brand records, liens, etc.], ca.1888-ca.1905 (2 cu.ft.);
[Plan of St. Helens-Map], 1865 (1 map);
Precinct Maps [Election], ca.1970-ca.1988 (.30 cu.ft.);
[Proposed Columbia River People's Utility District-Map], 1940 (1 map);
Section Maps Scappoose Area, n.d. (ca.30 maps);
St. Helens City Map [Modified], n.d. (1 map).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Fire Insurance Map [Sanborn-St. Helens], ca.1921-ca.1940 (5 volumes);
Metsker's Atlas of Columbia County Oregon, 1928 (1 volume); 1942 (1 volume); 1946 (1 volume); 1956 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Storage Room:
Columbia County Survey Index [indexes county surveys, road surveys, subdivision and partition plats, boundary line maps, highway maps, and miscellaneous maps], ca.1873-2015 (1 binder);
[Flood Insurance Rate Maps-with index], 1988 (.35 cu.ft.);
Highway Road Map and Railroad Map Index [to rolled maps in surveyor's break room], ca.1904-ca.2015 (1 binder);
Quad Maps [United States Geological Survey-Quadrangle], 1953-1988 (ca.100 maps);
Quarry Maps, 1904-1940 (20 maps).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Counter End:
Index [to Survey, Road Survey, Miscellaneous Maps, and Field Books], ca.1873-ca.1998 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Break Room:
[R Maps-Railroad Survey Maps-rolled], ca.1914-ca.1920 (ca.32 maps).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Old Jail Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats-includes town, subdivision, and survey plats, district maps, building plans, road plats, aerial photographs, sewer lines, topographical maps, and other related records and subjects-rolled], ca.1937-present (ca.600 maps and drawings).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Private Office, Side Room:
Columbia [Willamette River Greenway Aerial Photograph Maps], 1974 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office:
[Assessor's Plats], n.d.-present (12 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room:
Columbia County BPA Transmission Lines [Bonneville Power Administration Maps], 1971 (1 volume);
Metsker's Atlas of Columbia County Oregon, 1928 (1 volume); 1942 (1 volume); 1956 (1 volume);
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes city, vicinity, road, railroad, aerial photomap, water system, school district boundaries, timber ownership, and assessor-rolled], ca.1950-present (ca.300 maps);
[Superseded Assessor's Maps-very worn], n.d. (13 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2:
Bonneville Power Administration St. Johns-Astoria Line Columbia County [Transmission Line Maps], 1940 (1 volume);
Index to Maps Roll and Flat File [Miscellaneous Maps and Survey Plats Card Index], ca.1900-n.d. (.15 cu.ft.);
Miscellaneous Maps Index Alphabetical [Card Index-to Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats], ca.1900-n.d. (.15 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office:
[Flood Insurance Rate Maps-with index], 1988 (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Old Jail Storage Room:
FEMA Maps Federal Emergency Management Agency [Flood Insurance Rate Maps-with index], 1988 (3 cu.ft.);
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes city, vicinity, water systems, soil classification, flood plain, solid waste, census], ca.1963-present (ca.100 maps);
USGS Maps [United States Geological Survey-Topographic], 1953-1985 (ca.40 maps);
Wetland Maps [National Wetland Inventory], 1979-1997 (ca.75 maps).

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Columbia County Web Maps​ [GIS Database-includes assessor maps, subdivision and partition plats, survey plats, aerial photographs, zoning maps, urban growth boundaries, districts, roads, and related information], n.d.-present;
Elections Maps and Data [includes precinct maps-scroll down], 2016-present.

Records at a Related Webs​ite:
Tax Assessment GIS Maps [select county], n.d.-present.
1888-1949

Series documents the registration of marks and brands by livestock owners and logging interests in order to clearly establish ownership. Records include registers and certificates. Information includes owner's name and address; diagram of animal showing location and style of mark and brand; written description of mark and brand; and filing date. Types of livestock registered include horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry. Log brands are also documented.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
[Index to Stock Brands and Marks], 1888-ca.1919 (1 volume);
[Miscellaneous Trifolded Documents-includes deeds, mortgages, maps, plans, homestead papers, brand records, liens, etc.], ca.1888-ca.1905 (2 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Log Brands [Registration Records-includes log, stock, horse, and cattle brands], ca.1902-1949 (.20 cu.ft.);
Record Log Brands & Cattle Brands, vol. A, 1888-1919 (1 volume).
​​​1854-1961

Series documents the recording of marriages by the county and includes applications, marriage certificates and licenses, and indexes to marriage records. Information includes the names and residences of bride and groom; justice of the peace, minister, or name of individual officiating; fees charged; date filed; volume and page numbers where recorded; certificate number; date and place of marriage; and signatures of witnesses and county officials. Beginning in 1906, marriages have been officially registered with the state of Oregon. Currently these records are filed with the State Registrar, Vital Statistics Section​ of the Health Division. Marriage records have been inventoried through 1960.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Marriage Index, 1854-ca.1865 (1 volume);
Marriage Licenses, Book A-K, 1854-1960 (9 cu.ft.);
Marriages [Records], 1854-1865 (1 reel of microfilm);
Marriage Record [title varies], vol. A-K, 1859-1961 (12 volumes);
Miscellaneous and Marriages [Record], vol. A, 1854-1865 (1 volume);
[Return of Marriage-Records], 1906-1953 (.75 cu.ft.)

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Columbia County Marriage Records [Abstract], 1855-1900 (1 volume).

Records at FamilySearch.org (free registration required):
Marriage Index [includes document images], 1854-1899 (familysearch.org);
Marriage Records and Miscellaneous [Record-includes document images], vol. A, 1854-1865 (familysearch.org);
Marriage Records [Case Files-includes related documents such as affidavits and certificates-also includes document images], 1854-1960 (familysearch.org);
Marriage Records​ [Volumes-includes document images], vol. A-K, 1854-1961 (familysearch.org).
​​​​​​
1874-1904 

Series documents property held by women independently and legally separate from their husbands. Registration of property usually is in relation to a marriage or divorce settlement. Information includes a description of property (land, livestock, and farm and household goods) to be considered separate and declarations stating that the woman in question is not responsible for her husband's debts.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Register of Married Women's Separate Property, 1874-1904 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Miscellaneous [Register of Married Women's Property], vol. A, 1874-1904 (1 reel of microfilm); 
Register of Married Women's Separate Property [in locked gray cabinet], 1874-1904 (1 volume).
1889-1970

Series documents the registration of individuals in compliance with the requirements of relevant Oregon boards of examiners to practice a medical profession in the state. Professions registered include physicians, surgeons, osteopaths, naturopaths, dentists, nurses, druggists, chiropractors, chiropodists, optometrists, and veterinarians. Records include registers, certificates, and licenses. Information includes name of registrant; name of school; graduation date; names of members of the examining board; licensing and recording dates; and licensing or registration numbers.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Copy of Medical Licenses [trifolded], 1893-1925 (.05 cu.ft.);
Register Optometry Reg. Nurse, Physician, Dentist, Veterinarian, 1889-1970 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Physicians' License Register, 1889-1967 (1 volume);
Record [Chiropractic Examiners Register-includes naturopaths], 1915-1961 (1 volume);
Register of Practicing Chiropractors, vol. 1, 1915-1961 (1 volume).
1887-1988 

Series lists those eligible for military service and records the discharge dates of those who served in the military. Series includes eligibility, enlistment, discharge registers, or muster rolls, and may include alphabetical indexes. Information includes name of individual serving or eligible for service; enlistment and discharge dates and codes; residences at birth and enlistment; occupations and ages at time of enlistment; branches of service; precinct numbers; service records including commendations; physical condition, education and types of jobs performed while in service; and rank at discharge. Access to military discharge records may be restricted for 75 years by 2009 Oregon Legislative Assembly SB 618. 

Beginning in 1988 military discharge records were filed with the Clerk's Recordings (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Enumeration of the Inhabitants and Military Enrollment of Columbia County [Census Record], 1905 (1 volume).​

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Record of Army Lists [Militia], vol. A, 1887-1900 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Private Office, Side Room: 
Discharge Books, no. 1-11, 1919-1958 (5 reels of microfilm);
Discharge Record-Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines, vol. 1, 1919-1945 (1 volume); 
[Military Discharge Record Index], ca.1945-ca.1956 (1 volume);
[Military Discharge Records], 1967-2001 (24 inches of aperture cards);
[U.S. Service Discharge Record Index], 1945-1956 (1 volume);
U.S. Service Discharge Record, vol. 2-11, 1945-1958 (10 volumes).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Index to U.S. Service Discharge Records, 1919-1988 (1 volume).
​
1885-1992 

Series documents actions filed with the county related to mineral interest claims. Types of actions include mineral rights and royalty assignments, mineral interest claims, lease releases, interest stipulations, corrections, bills of sale and conveyance assignments, and location notices. Information includes names of involved parties; action types and dates; and volume and page numbers. The series may also include copies of claim location notices giving descriptions and details of individual claims. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
[Mining Claim Record Index-also indexes incorporations and other records], n.d. (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Dormant Mineral Interest Record, 1985-1992 (1 volume); 
General Index [to mining, judgments, complaints, divorce, insane, and guardianships], 1941-1945 (1 volume);
General Index [to mining records], vol. 1, 1885-1963 (1 volume); 
Mining Claims [Record-title varies], vol. A-D, 1885-1972 (4 volumes). 

Records at a Related Website:
Online Land Records [includes federal land survey records related to Oregon such as survey plats and field notes, mineral surveys, and historical indices], ca.1850-present (Bureau of Land Management​).
1854-1988 

Series documents the written interest in land providing security for the performance of a duty or payment of a debt. Records include mortgages; trustee's deeds of reconveyance; indexes, both by mortgagor and mortgagee name; and satisfactions. Information includes mortgagor and mortgagee names, property descriptions, mortgage terms, witness names, certifications, recording and satisfaction dates, volume and page numbers where recorded, and recorder's signature. Series also includes executor/executrix information when mortgages were transferred through wills and mortgages of land to individuals under the provisions of the Donation Land Act of 1850. 

Since 1988 mortgages have been filed with the Clerk's Recordings (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Daily Work [Mortgage Records-filmed daily with other county and court records], ca.1967-ca.1988 (ca.190 reels of microfilm); 
Direct Index to Mortgages, 1854-1891 (1 volume); 1854-ca.1915 (1 volume); vol. 3, 1913-1949 (1 volume);
Index to Mortgages Direct, 1854-1915 (1 volume); vol. 3-7, 1950-1988 (5 volumes);
Index to Mortgages Indirect, 1854-1915 (1 volume); vol. 3-7, 1950-1988 (5 volumes);
Indirect Index to Mortgages, vol. 3, 1913-1949 (1 volume); 
Inverted Index to Mortgages, 1854-1891 (1 volume);
Miscellaneous [Index to Direct Mortgages], vol. 3-7, 1950-1988 (3 reels of microfilm); 
Mortgage Record [title varies], vol. D-Z, 1883-1918 (23 volumes); 
Mortgage Record, vol. 2-80, 1918-1958 (79 volumes); 
Mortgages [Record], vol. 104-207, 1967-1987 (35 feet of aperture cards); 
[MTG Bk.-Mortgage Record], vol. 80-88, 1958-1962 (9 reels of microfilm);
Record of Mortgages, vol. A, 1854-1870 (1 volume); 
Records Mortgages, vol. B-C, 1870-1883 (2 volumes); 
State Land Board School Fund Federal Farm Loan Mortgage Record, vol. 1, 1917-1928 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office: 
Mortgage Books, vol. A-Z, 1-104, 1854-1967 (114 reels of microfilm);
Mortgages, vol. 104-207, 1967-1987 (35 feet of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
[Miscellaneous Trifolded Documents-includes deeds, mortgages, maps, plans, homestead papers, brand records, liens, etc.], ca.1888-ca.1905 (2 cu.ft.); 
Unsatisfied Instruments [Mortgage], 1891-1892 (2 volumes).
1891-1956

Series documents the granting of United States citizenship to petitioners. Records include applications, witness affidavits, court findings granting or denying citizenship, certificates, and indexes. Declarations of intention may also be included. Information includes name, age, and residence of applicant; applicant's dependents; date of filing of declarations of intention and petitions; and volume and page numbers where papers are recorded.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Certificate of Naturalization [Stubs], 1907-1926 (10 volumes);
[Certificate Receipt Card-Naturalization-in oak file box], 1927-1956 (.10 cu.ft.);
Certificates of Citizenship [with index], 1891-1903 (1 volume).
​
1859-1954

Series documents the process taken by applicants for United States citizenship in declaring their intention to become United States citizens. Information may include applicant's name, age, physical description, place and date of birth, method of immigration, date and port of entry, names and ages of wife and children, and renunciation of allegiance to foreign governments.

Declarations of intention may also be attached to naturalization petitions or naturalization certificates. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Declaration of Intentions [trifolded], ca.1859-1905 (.25 cu.ft.); 
Declaration of Intention [with index], no. 902-1300, 1929-1954 (3 volumes); 
Declarations of Intention [with index],1891-1906 (1 volume); 
Record of Declaration of Intention [no. 1-901-with index], vol. 1-5, 1906-1929 (5 volumes).
​
1854-1956 

Series documents the application for United States citizenship by aliens. Information includes name, residence, and occupation of applicants; place and date of birth; emigration place, date, and vessel; declaration of intention dates; name, birthplaces, and birth date of dependents; and renunciation of allegiance to foreign governments. Accompanying the petitions are witness and petitioner affidavits, oaths of allegiance, court orders admitting or denying citizenship, declarations of intention, depositions, and certificates of arrival.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
[Citizenship Petitions Granted and Denied], 1929-1956 (1 volume);
Index to Naturalization Record [indexes naturalization records in circuit court journal, county court journal, commissioners' journal, and miscellaneous record], ca.1854-ca.1940 (1 volume); 
Petition and Oath of Allegiance [with index], no. 864-948, 1944-1954 (1 volume);
Petition and Record [with index], no. 1-448, 1907-1928 (5 volumes);
[Petition for Naturalization-with index], no. 449-461, 1928-1929 (1 volume);
Petition [Naturalization], no. 462-500, 1930-1935 (1 volume); 
Petitions [Naturalization-with index], no. 501-863, 1935-1944 (6 volumes); 
Record of Naturalization [Affidavits-includes circuit and county courts], 1903-1906 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Record Journal of the County Court [Judicial-includes naturalization entries], vol. A, 1859-1889 (1 volume).

​
1889-1975

Series documents financial assistance approved by the county court for widows, mothers, dependent children, orphans, the elderly, and indigents. Information includes applicant name and address, children's names and birth dates, amount of pension or monthly support payment, and county court order. Because the provision of relief became primarily a state and federal function in the 1930s, records are inventoried through 1939. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Old Age Pension Applications Held for Investigation, 1933-1936 (.15 cu.ft.); 
Old Age Pensions Allowed [includes applications, agreements, and orders], 1933-1935 (1 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Petitions for County Aid and Rejected Widows' Pensions [Records-trifolded], 1918-1935 (.10 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Law Journal [County Court-includes some adoption and pension and relief entries], vol. B-C, 1889-1975 (2 volumes).
​
​1973-[ongoing] 

Series documents the discussions and activities of the county planning commission as recorded in the minutes and agendas. Topics discussed include the creation, amendment, and appeal of zoning ordinances and county land use laws; county comprehensive plans; and election or appointment of planning commission members.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office: 
Planning Commission Minutes [title varies], 2004-present (7 binders). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Old Jail Storage Room: 
Planning Commission Minutes [title varies], 1973-2002 (21 binders). 

Records at the Columbia County Website: 
​
1892-1960 

Series tracks individuals incarcerated in the county jail. Information includes prisoner identification number; date entered; name, address, age, birth date, height and weight, eye and hair color, and nationality of prisoner; arrest date; arresting officer; crime committed; sentence; bail; court; release date; and remarks. Prisoner registers, which may also be referred to as jail lists, have been inventoried through 1965. Access to portions of these records may be restricted for 25 years after termination of custody by Oregon Revised Statute 192.496(3). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Display Case:
Jail Register, 1892-1938 (1 volume). 

Records at the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Building, Evidence Locker:
Jail Docket, 1939-1960 (1 volume).
​​1850-2013

Series documents actions taken on probate cases brought before the county, district, or circuit court for settlement. Records include wills, receipts, claims, vouchers, petitions to sell, notices of annual accounting, final estate accounting reports, appraiser's affidavits, bills of sale, inventories, fee bills, appraisals, administrator and appointment certificates, and appraiser oaths. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. Portions of these records may be restricted.

The Columbia County circuit court joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1987 and the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013. Probate case files created since 2013 are maintained electronically.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Probate Case Files, no. 1-1070, 1850-1931 (22.70 cu.ft.);
Probate Index, 1880-1930 (.25 cu.ft.);
Search for 1850-1930 Columbia County probate case files in Oregon Historical Records Index.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
General Index [to mining, judgments, complaints, divorce, insane, and guardianships], 1941-1945 (1 volume);
Index to Probate Cases [indexes case files and record], ca.1874-1987 (1 volume);
[Probate Case Files], 2007-2013 (25 cu.ft.);
Probate [Case Files-in locked circuit court black cabinet], no. 2001-4083, 1950-1970 (56 reels of microfilm);
Probate [Case Files-most cases begin after 1930-title varies], no. 1071-2000, 1931-1950, (31 cu.ft.);
Probate Files [Case-title varies], no. 93.6325-98.6764, 1993-1998 (17.50 cu.ft.); no. 03.7000-06.7029, 2003-2006 (19 cu.ft.);
SE [Small Estate Case Files], ca.1997-2013 (12 cu.ft.);
Small Estates Index, 1974-1987 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Circuit Court Old Jail Storage Room 1: 
[Probate Case Files], no. 4137-5750, 1970-1988 (45 cu.ft.); 1988-1992 (22 cu.ft.); 2001-2002 (8 cu.ft.); 2006 (4 cu.ft.);
SE [Small Estate Case Files], 1974-1996 (3 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Circuit Court Old Jail Storage Room 3: 
[Probate Case Files], 1999-2000 (8 cu.ft.).
​
1903-1923 

Series documents information recorded about estates probated in the county or circuit courts. Information includes deceased party's name; recording and death dates; residence; name and address of executors, administrators, or trustees; estimated values of real and personal property; inventory and appraisal dates; the estate's value according to the appraisals and to the county court; and the names and relationship of heirs. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 
Index to Closed Probate Estates, no. 1-1051, n.d. (1 volume); 
Record of Estates, 1903-1923 (1 volume).
​
1854-1987

Series records the actions taken by the county's probate court. Information includes case numbers, estate or deceased's name, administrator's or executor's name, dates and types of papers filed, and memoranda and court orders listed by dates of appointment of administrator or executor. Series may also be referred to as probate journals, dockets, or records of actions. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. In 1986 circuit courts with probate jurisdiction began recording basic case information on the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN). This network functionally replaced probate dockets and journals previously maintained by the courts. The transition to full use of OJIN by all circuit courts in Oregon took approximately two years. Portions of these records may be restricted.

The Columbia County circuit court joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1987 and the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2013. Probate information created since 2013 is maintained electronically.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Fee Book Probate and County Court [includes court actions and dates], 1859-1885 ( 1 volume);
Probate Book, vol. A, 1854-1857 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Daily Work [Probate Journal-filmed daily with other county and court records], ca.1967-ca.1983 (ca.170 reels of microfilm);
Index to Probate Cases [indexes case files and record], ca.1874-1987 (1 volume);
Probate [Journal-in locked circuit court black cabinet], vol. 15-25, 1967-1982 (12 inches of aperture cards);
[Probate Journal-in locked circuit court black cabinet-title varies], vol. 8-15, 1958-1967 (8 reels of microfilm);
[Probate Journal-no spine-with index], 1885-1889 (1 volume);
[Probate Journal-partial volume-loose pages], vol. 8, 1958 (.20 cu.ft.);
Probate Journal, vol. B, 1880-1884 (1 volume); vol. 1-7, 1948-1958 (7 volumes);
[Probate Journal-with index], 1884-1889 (1 volume);
Probate Record Index [Index to Actions], vol. I, 1890-1910 (1 volume);
Probate Record [with index], vol. 1-4, 5A-5M, 1889-1948 (17 volumes); vol. 1A-1M, 1903-1987 (13 volumes);
Probate [Register and Docket], 1986-1987 (1 volume);
[Probate Register-with index], 1884-1889 (1 volume);
Record Probate Business, 1859-1880 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Account of Orders Probate, 1884-1890 (1 volume);
Order Book [Probate-with index], vol. 7, 1884-1889 (1 volume);
Record [Probate-with index], vol. 5, 1890-1895 (1 volume); vol. 6, 1905-1941 (1 volume).
​1854-[ongoing] 

Series documents the development, construction, maintenance, and improvement of county roads and bridges. Records include bonds, general road and highway maps, petitions to have roads constructed or altered, notices, complaints, vacation records, and correspondence. Information includes road numbers and names and descriptions of the activity occurring on the road. Information concerning county roads may be available on the Integrated Road Information System (IRIS) at the county road office. Technical road survey maps may be found in the series titled Road Maps and Survey Notes. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault: 
Col. Hy. [Columbia River Highway Map], 1941 (1 map); 
Columbia Co. Bridge [and Road Proposals, Plans, and Specifications], 1925-1930 (1 cu.ft.);
[Columbia County Road Index Map-includes vicinity information], 1978 (1 map); 
General Highway Map of Columbia County, 1971 (1 map); 
Old Roads, Petitions, Bonds, Remonstrances, Etc. Roads Denied, 1903-1911 (1 cu.ft.); 
RD. Dept. Old [Road Department-includes road supervisors' reports], 1896-1900 (.50 cu.ft.);
Road Contracts & Bonds, 1914-1925 (2 cu.ft.); 
Road Supervisors Reports [trifolded], 1900 (.20 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault, Closet Oak Cabinet: 
R.D. Sup. Reports [Road Supervisor Reports-also includes bids, contracts, specifications, meeting records, etc.], 1907-1913 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Storage Room: 
Columbia County Survey Index [indexes county surveys, road surveys, subdivision and partition plats, boundary line maps, highway maps, and miscellaneous maps], ca.1873-2015 (1 binder); 
County Roads by Petition [Record-includes petition, right of way, and remarks information], 1854-1956 (1 volume); 
Deeded Roads Sec. Twp. Rge. [Section, Township, and Range-Record], 1902-1962 (1 volume);
Index of Comm. Journals Road Deeds to Columbia County [Commissioners], 1902-1952 (1 volume);
Index of County Roads [indexes petition, viewer report, survey, and field book information], ca.1856-ca.1936 (1 volume); 
Road Deeds [copies], ca.1922-ca.1925 (1 volume); 
Road Record [includes surveys, notes, reports, and petition and vacation information-vol. 1 shows road district boundaries], vol. 1-3, 1908-1973 (3 volumes). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Counter End: 
County Roads [Legal Information Register], ca.1873-present (2 volumes). 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Old Jail Storage Area:
[Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats-includes town, subdivision, and survey plats, district maps, building plans, road plats, aerial photographs, sewer lines, topographical maps, and other related records and subjects-rolled], ca.1937-present (ca.600 maps and drawings).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Commissioners Journal Pre A [includes boundaries of road districts in back], ca.1855 (1 volume); 
Index Old Roads, A-L , 1-185, 1875-1886, 1888-ca.1920 (1 volume);
Road Jackets [includes petitions, notices, surveys, and related records], 1908-1917 (2 inches of aperture cards);
Roads Denied [Case Files], 1912-1938 (.35 cu.ft.); 
Roads [Legal History Register-with index], ca.1872-1997 (1 volume);
Roads [Records-Jackets-includes petitions, notices, surveys, and related records], A-L, 1-197, 1875-1886 (4 cu.ft.); no. P1-P308, 1888-1973 (3.35 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Road Jackets [includes petitions, notices, surveys, and related records], 1908-1917 (2 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room: 
[Miscellaneous Maps-includes city, vicinity, road, railroad, aerial photomap, water system, school district boundaries, timber ownership, and assessor-rolled], ca.1950-present (ca.300 maps);
[Road Index], ca.1873-ca.1930 (1 binder). 

Records at the Columbia County Website: 
Columbia County Web Maps [GIS Database-includes assessor maps, subdivision and partition plats, survey plats, aerial photographs, zoning maps, urban growth boundaries, districts, roads, and related information], n.d.-present;
Columbia County Transportation System Plan [includes implementing ordinances], vol. 1-2, 2016;
Road Department Maps​ [includes district, bridge, and county maps in TIFF format], ca.1987-present.
1856-[ongoing]

Series documents the surveying and mapping of county roads. Records include road surveyor notes, alignment, profile, and other survey maps, and road registers. Information includes legal descriptions of the roads; road names and numbers; plans and profiles; township, range, and section numbers; dates of activity; and scales. General road maps may be found in the series titled Road and Bridge Records.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Storage Room:
Columbia County Survey Index [indexes county surveys, road surveys, subdivision and partition plats, boundary line maps, highway maps, and miscellaneous maps], ca.1873-2015 (1 binder);
[Filed Survey Plats-includes road surveys], no. 5600-6199, 2008-present (600 plats);
Highway Road Map and Railroad Map Index [to rolled maps in surveyor's break room], ca.1904-2015 (1 binder);
Index of County Roads [indexes petition, viewer report, survey, and field book information], ca.1856-ca.1936 (1 volume);
Plat Book [Road Surveys], vol. 3, no. 121-163, 1896-1902 (1 volume);
[Record of Surveys-includes road surveys-title varies], vol. A-E, 1880-1905 (5 volumes);
Road Record [includes surveys, notes, reports, and petition and vacation information-vol. 1 shows road district boundaries], vol. 1-3, 1908-1973 (3 volumes);
Old Road Index Vans Maps [Road Survey Plats-on heavy paper], ca.1875-ca.1925 (ca.40 plats);
Survey Book A Big Map Book [visually references surveys and road surveys in Record of Survey, vol. A to B], 1880-ca.1895 (1 volume);
Survey Book A Small Map Book [visually references surveys and road surveys in Record of Survey, vol. A], 1880-ca.1890 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Counter End:
Index [to Survey, Road Survey, Miscellaneous Maps, and Field Books], ca.1873-ca.1998 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Break Room:
[H Maps-Highway Survey Maps-rolled], ca.1914-ca.1987 (ca.206 maps);
[Miscellaneous Highway Strip Maps-rolled], ca.1956-ca.1996 (ca.100 maps);
[Road Survey Field Books-includes road engineering field books], ca.1965-ca.1980 (3 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Old Jail Storage Area:
[Filed County Survey Plats-includes road surveys-rolled until no. 2000], no. 1-5599, ca.1900-2008 (5599 plats);
[Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats-includes town, subdivision, and survey plats, district maps, building plans, road plats, aerial photographs, sewer lines, topographical maps, and other related records and subjects-rolled], ca.1937-present (ca.600 maps and drawings);
Surveys [Filed-includes road surveys], no. 1-3351, ca.1900-ca.1982 (28 inches of aperture cards);
Surveys ["Little" Filed-includes road surveys], no. L1-L1199, ca.1963-ca.1981 (6 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2:
Index to Maps Roll and Flat File [Miscellaneous Maps and Survey Plats Card Index], ca.1900-n.d. (.15 cu.ft.);
Miscellaneous Maps Index Alphabetical [Card Index-to Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats], ca.1900-n.d. (.15 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Roads [Records-Jackets-includes petitions, notices, surveys, and related records], A-L, 1-197, 1875-1886 (4 cu.ft.); no. P1-P308, 1888-1973 (3.35 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Microfilm Survey Books [includes road surveys], vol. A-E, 1880-1905 (6 inches of aperture cards);
Road Jackets [includes petitions, notices, surveys, and related records], 1908-1917 (2 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Finance and Taxation Department Old Jail Storage Room:
[Road Survey Field Notes], ca.1924-ca.1930 (.75 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Museum Old Jail Storage Room:
Road Survey Notes [Road Transit Field Notes], ca.1930-ca.1940 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Columbia Co. Bridge [and Road Proposals, Plans, and Specifications], 1925-1930 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
[Road Survey Field Books], 1916 (1 volume); 1932 (3 volumes).
1886-1967

Series reports the general and financial statistics of each school district located in the county. Information includes school district number and clerk's name; number of individuals within the district between ages 4 and 20​; number of teachers employed; number of school houses (owned by the district); number of legal voters; number of libraries and books within each; number of private schools; cash on hand at last report; district tax received from county; state schools funds received; general value of school grounds and furnishings; property values; enrollment; number of students enrolled from outlying districts; school census; and board minutes. Series may also contain school attendance and grade reports and data on students and parents. Records may be titled School District Clerk Annual Report, District Clerk's Book of Records, District Clerk Record Book, or Oregon School Register and Record Book, which is the most comprehensive record of school district activities. School district records have been inventoried through 1965. Access to student records may be restricted by state or federal law.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Census [School Records-various districts], 1909 (1 volume); 1912-1918 (1 volume); 1925-1928 (1 volume); 1927-1932 (1 volume); 1933-1938 (1 volume); 1939-1949 (1 volume); 1950-1958 (1 volume); 1960-1966 (1 volume);
Clerks Annual Reports [various school districts], 1942-1961 (.70 cu.ft.);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 4], 1915-1921 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 8], 1914-1918 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 17], 1914-1917 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 19], 1896-1900 (1 volume); 1926-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1934 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 29], 1897-1900 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 31], 1915-1921 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 42], 1913-1918 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 43], 1907-1910 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 19], 1910-1916 (1 volume); 1917-1934 (1 volume); 1935-1936 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 21], 1927-1934 (1 volume);
[Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 52-Mist Grade School], 1939-1952 (5 volumes);
School Census [Records-various districts-with gaps], 1888-1921 (.10 cu.ft.);
Tracy's School Record [District No. 10], 1886-1888 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Finance and Taxation Department Old Jail Storage Room:
Clerk's Annual Census Report [District No. 23-Mayger], 1922-1931 (.05 cu.ft.);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 23-Mayger], 1908-1912 (1 volume); 1913-1917 (1 volume); 1917-1921 (1 volume); 1921-1923 (1 volume); 1922-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1925 (1 volume); 1925-1927 (1 volume); 1927-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1934 (1 volume);
Laurel Loan Record of Text Books Issued [District No. 23-Mayger], 1932-1936 (1 volume); 
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 23-Mayger], 1912-1916 (1 volume); 1913-1917 (1 volume); 1919-1922 (1 volume); 1919-1923 (1 volume); 1922-1932 (1 volume); 1923-1927 (1 volume); 1924-1927 (1 volume); 1924-1928 (1 volume); 1924-1930 (1 volume); 1927-1934 (1 volume); 1940-1944 (1 volume); 1944-1949 (1 volume); 1951-1956 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 23-Mayger-Lower Room], 1935-1938 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 23-Mayger-Upper Grades], 1935-1938 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 29], 1931-1935 (1 volume); 1934-1936 (1 volume);
Teacher's Monthly Report [District No. 23-Mayger], 1919-1923 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Budget [includes schools], 1941-1951 (1.40 cu.ft.);
Budgets Schools, Cities, Drg. Dist. & PUD [Drainage District & Public Utility District], 1934-1942 (1 cu.ft.);
District Budgets [includes schools], 1917-1923 (1 cu.ft.);
School Budgets, 1925-1933 (1 cu.ft.); 1942-1943, 1946-1947 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Northwest Regional Education Service District Columbia Service Center, Warehouse Locked File Cabinet:
Census Book [School Census Record-various districts], 1912-1958 (8 reels of microfilm).

Records at the St. Helens School District Administrative Office Building, Vault:
Official School Board Minutes, 1936-1967 (1 binder).

Records at the St. Helens School District Off Site Storage Facility (District Clerk's Record Books):
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 2], 1894 (1 volume); 1897-1898 (1 volume); 1901-1903 (1 volume); 1903-1906 (1 volume); 1906-1908 (1 volume); 1910-1912 (1 volume); 1912-1913 (1 volume); 1913-1914 (1 volume); 1914-1915 (1 volume); 1915-1916 (1 volume); 1916-1917 (1 volume); 1917-1918 (1 volume); 1918-1919 (1 volume); 1919-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1921 (1 volume); 1921-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1924 (1 volume); 1924-1925 (1 volume); 1925-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1927 (1 volume); 1927-1928 (1 volume); 1928-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1930 (1 volume); 1930-1931 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 3-Deer Island], 1915-1917 (1 volume); 1918-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1921 (1 volume); 1921-1922 (1 volume); 1923-1924 (1 volume); 1924-1925 (1 volume); 1925-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1927 (1 volume); 1928-1930 (1 volume); 1930-1933 (1 volume); 1933-1937 (1 volume); 1938-1943 (.15 cu.ft.); 1943-1944 (1 volume); 1944-1947 (1 volume); 1947-1949 (1 volume); 1950-1953 (.10 cu.ft.); 1953-1955 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 11-Columbia City], 1908-1915 (1 volume); 1916-1919 (1 volume); 1919-1923 (1 volume); 1923-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1929 (1 volume); 1932-1940 (.10 cu.ft.); 1940-1945 (1 volume); 1945-1950 (1 volume); 1950-1956 (.15 cu.ft.);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 30], 1950-1955 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 34-Canaan], 1901-1906 (1 volume); 1917-1922 (1 volume); 1920-1921 (1 volume); 1923-1925 (1 volume); 1925-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1927 (1 volume); 1927-1928 (1 volume); 1928-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1932 (1 volume); 1933-1939 (1 volume); 1940-1947 (1 volume); 1947-1955 (.15 cu.ft.);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1937-1947 (.25 cu.ft.);
District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 43-Willark/Trenholm], 1913-1915 (1 volume); 1914-1917 (1 volume); 1918-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1921 (1 volume); 1921-1922 (1 volume); 1924-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1928 (1 volume); 1928-1929 (1 volume); 1931-1934 (1 volume); 1938-1955 (1 volume).

Records at the St. Helens School District Off Site Storage Facility (Miscellaneous School Records):
Budgets [District No. 3-Deer Island], 1943-1956 (.10 cu.ft.);
Budgets [District No. 30-Yankton], 1952-1955 (.05 cu.ft.);
Budgets [District No. 34-Canaan], 1923-1954 (.05 cu.ft.);
Budgets [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1939-1947 (1 volume);
Budgets [District No. 43-Willark/Trenholm], 1929-1954 (.10 cu.ft.);
Census Report [District No. 3-Deer Island], 1955 (.05 cu.ft.);
Census Report [District No. 34-Canaan], 1905-1947 (.15 cu.ft.);
Clerk's Annual Census Reports [District No. 2], 1924-1932 (1 volume); 1933-1943 (1 volume);
Clerk's Annual Census Reports [District No. 30-Yankton], 1951-1955 (.05 cu.ft.);
Clerk's Annual Census Reports [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1937-1946 (.05 cu.ft.);
Clerk's Annual Census Reports [District No. 43-Willark/Trenholm], 1920-1953 (.05 cu.ft.);
Clerk's Annual Census Reports [District No. 502C], 1958 (1 volume); 1960 (1 volume); 1962 (1 volume); 1966 (1 volume);
Notice of School Elections [District No. 2-includes school budgets], 1930-1949 (1 volume);
[Oregon Elementary Pupil Cumulative Record-District No. 11-Columbia City], ca.1933-1942 (.05 cu.ft.);
[Oregon Elementary Pupil Cumulative Record-District No. 34-Canaan], ca.1932-1939 (.05 cu.ft.);
[Oregon Teacher's Annual Report-District No. 11-Columbia City], 1938-1954 (.05 cu.ft.); 
Reports [District No. 3-Deer Island-includes Teacher's Annual Reports], 1944-1955 (.05 cu.ft.);
School District Annual Financial Report [District No. 11-Columbia City], 1932-1954 (1 volume);
School District Annual Financial Report [District No. 34-Canaan], 1947-1953 (.05 cu.ft.);
School District Annual Financial Report [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1942-1947 (.05 cu.ft.);
School District Annual Financial Report [District No. 43-Willark/Trenholm], 1934-1955 (.05 cu.ft.);
[School District Meeting Notices and Budgets-District No. 11-Columbia City], 1920-1956 (.25 cu.ft.);
Teacher Contracts [District No. 3-Deer Island], 1921-1945 (1 volume);
Teacher Contracts [District No. 11-Columbia City], 1932-1948 (1 volume);
Teacher Contracts [District No. 30-Yankton], 1950-1954 (.05 cu.ft.);
Teacher Contracts [District No. 34-Canaan], 1925-1954 (.05 cu.ft.);
Teacher Contracts [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1937-1946 (.05 cu.ft.);
Teacher Contracts [District No. 43-Willark/Trenholm], 1932-1948 (.05 cu.ft.);
Teacher's Monthly Report [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1946-1947 (.05 cu.ft.);
Trenholm District # 43 Census Reports, 1948-1954 (1 volume).

Records at the St. Helens School District Off Site Storage Facility (Oregon School Register and Record Books):
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 3-Deer Island], 1916-1922 (1 volume); 1917-1923 (1 volume); 1920-1926 (1 volume); 1924-1931 (1 volume); 1926-1932 (1 volume); 1931-1937 (1 volume); 1932-1937 (1 volume); 1937-1938 (1 volume); 1938-1939 (1 volume); 1940-1957 (.25 cu.ft.); 1944-1952 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 11-Columbia City], 1922-1926 (1 volume); 1944-1945 (1 volume); 1949-1956 (.20 cu.ft.);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 34-Canaan], 1900-1902 (1 volume); 1902-1909 (1 volume); 1927-1932 (1 volume); 1933-1939 (1 volume); 1940-1945 (.15 cu.ft.); 1944-1948 (1 volume); 1948-1950 (.10 cu.ft.); 1950-1953 (1 volume); 1951-1953 (1 volume); 1953-1958 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 39-Columbia Heights], 1943-1947 (1 volume); 1945-1947 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 43], 1923-1930 (1 volume); 1926-1932 (1 volume); 1928-1929 (1 volume); 1930-1931 (1 volume); 1931-1932 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 43-Trenholm], 1948-1949 (1 volume); 1951-1956 (.10 cu.ft.);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 54], 1915-1920 (1 volume);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 502C-Canaan], 1954-1960 (1 volume); Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 502C-Columbia City], 1955-1961 (.20 cu.ft.);
Oregon School Register and Record Book [No district given], 1932-1933 (1 volume).
​​
1875-1989

Series documents the official and financial affairs of the superintendent of schools concerning teachers, students, and schools located in the county. Records include annual statements on the condition of common (public) schools in the county, school district boundary records, school district accounts, and book purchases. Information includes financial information, school curricula, boundary descriptions, and enrollment and attendance data. Superintendent of schools records have been inventoried through 1965.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:
Census Teachers [Record], 1902-1917 (1 volume);
[County School Superintendent's Annual Report], 1930-1948 (1 volume); 1948-1960 (1 volume);
County School Superintendent's Register and Record Book, 1895-1896 (1 volume); 1896-1897 (1 volume); 1900 (1 volume); 1901-1902 (1 volume); 1902-1903 (2 volumes); 1903-1904 (1 volume); 1904-1905 (1 volume); 1906 (1 volume); 1907 (1 volume); 1908 (1 volume); 1909 (1 volume); 1910 (1 volume); 1911 (1 volume); 1912 (1 volume); 1913 (1 volume); 1923 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [actually Superintendent's Record of 6th & 7th Grade Physiology and Geography], 1913-1914 (1 volume);
[Non-Union High School Board Minutes-includes related records], 1933-1968 (1 volume);
[Non-Union High School District Record], 1941-1955 (1 volume);
Record of 8th Grade Examinations [Exemption Application Cards], 1913-1926 (.50 cu.ft.);
Record of Eighth Grade Examinations, vol 2, 1924-1926 (1 volume);
Register of Eighth Grade Examinations, 1913-1924 (1 volume); 1927-1939 (1 volume);
Register of State Certificates and Diplomas [with index], vol. 1, 1911-1918 (1 volume);
School Register [Superintendent's-includes teacher information], vol. 1, 1918-1939 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Basement Vault:
Record of School Books Purchased and Distributed, vol. 2, 1920-1925 (1 volume);
Record of School Books Purchased, vol. 1, 1906-1915 (1 volume).

Records at the Northwest Regional Education Service District Columbia Service Center, Locked Warehouse File Cabinet:
Apportionments [Superintendent's School Fund Record], 1905-1910 (2 volumes);
Boundry Board [sic-School District Boundary Board Minutes], 1926-1946 (1 volume);
Columbia County District Boundary Board [Minutes and Legal Descriptions], 1946-1962 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [actually Boundary Board Record-School District], 1907-1913 (1 volume); 1914-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1924 (1 volume); 1925 (1 volume);
District Clerk's Record Book [actually Record of New Officers of District], 1914-1915 (1 volume); ca.1922 (1 volume);
IED Board Minutes [Intermediate Education District-includes Rural School District Board], 1963-1966 (1 volume);
Record of Local Institutes Held in Columbia County Oregon [Teachers], 1915-1919 (1 volume);
Register of Teachers Under Contract [with index], vol. 1, 1899-1918 (1 volume);
Reorganization [Record-School Districts], 1957-1962 (1 volume);
School Boundary Record, vol. 1, 1884-1989 (1 volume);
[School District Boundary Book], 1875-1893 (1 volume);
School Funds [Superintendent's Apportionment Record], 1914-1920 (1 volume); 1920-1924 (1 volume); 1924-1926 (1 volume);
Teacher Permanent Record Cards, 1917-1947 (.50 cu.ft.).
1873-[ongoing]

Series documents surveys of county land by the county or licensed professional surveyors. Records include log books, field notes, and plats. An index may also be included. Information includes survey dates; who the survey was for; donation land claims; township, range, section, and survey numbers; a history of previous surveys made for the area; descriptions of land, vegetation, and soil; landmarks; metes and bounds of tracts surveyed; and surveyor's names. Plats also include corner restoration marks, scales, dates created and filed, and donation land claim owners.

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Storage Room: 
Columbia County Survey Index [indexes county surveys, road surveys, subdivision and partition plats, boundary line maps, highway maps, and miscellaneous maps], ca.1873-2015 (1 binder);
[Filed Survey Plats-includes road surveys], no. 5600-6199, 2008-present (600 plats);
Index of Micro-Filmed Maps [Surveys], ca.1912-1990 (1 binder);
[Record of Surveys-includes road surveys-title varies], vol. A-E, 1880-1913 (5 volumes);
Survey Book A Big Map Book [visually references surveys and road surveys in Record of Survey, vol. A to B], 1880-ca.1895 (1 volume);
Survey Book A Small Map Book [visually references surveys and road surveys in Record of Survey, vol. A], 1880-ca.1890 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office:
Original L Maps ["Little" Filed Surveys], no. L1-L2322, 1963-1986 (1.50 cu.ft.);
Survey Book Index [to Record of Surveys, vol. A to D], 1880-1913 (1 binder).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Counter End:
Index [to Survey, Road Survey, Miscellaneous Maps, and Field Books], ca.1873-ca.1998 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Office Break Room:
[Corner Restoration and Land Survey Field Books], ca.1890-ca.2010 (ca.8 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Surveyor's Old Jail Storage Area:
[Filed County Survey Plats-includes road surveys-rolled until no. 2000], no. 1-5599, ca.1900-2008 (5599 plats);
[Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats-includes town, subdivision, and survey plats, district maps, building plans, road plats, aerial photographs, sewer lines, topographical maps, and other related records and subjects-rolled], ca.1937-present (ca.600 maps and drawings);
Surveys [Filed-includes road surveys], no. 1-3351, ca.1900-ca.1982 (28 inches of aperture cards); no. L1-L1199, ca.1963-ca.1981 (6 inches of aperture cards).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Old Jail Storage Room 2:
Index to Maps Roll and Flat File [Miscellaneous Maps and Survey Plats Card Index], ca.1900-n.d. (.15 cu.ft.);
Miscellaneous Maps Index Alphabetical [Card Index-to Miscellaneous Recorded Maps and Survey Plats], ca.1900-n.d. (.15 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault:
Deed Record [includes Kinder Cemetery Survey], vol. 2, 1902 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Clerk's Office:
Microfilm Survey Books [includes road surveys], vol. A-E, 1880-1905 (6 inches of aperture cards);
Microfilm Surveys [Filed Surveys], no. 1-3658, L1-1999, ca.1912-1990 (4 feet of aperture cards);
Surveyor Drawings [with index], 1883-1969 (7 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse, Museum Library:
Timber Cruise [Survey Records], 1906-1930 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia County Website:
Columbia County Web Maps [GIS Database-includes assessor maps, subdivision and partition plats, survey plats, aerial photographs, zoning maps, urban growth boundaries, districts, roads, and related information], n.d.-present.

Records at a Related Website:
Online Land Records [federal land survey records related to Oregon such as survey plats and field notes, mineral surveys, and historical indices], ca.1850-present (Bureau of Land Management​).
​​
1969-2000 

Tax lot cards, which contain official descriptions of real property, are used to track land ownership and lot size and also may serve as a deed reference. Records include tax lot number; the location of the land in reference to township, range, and section; and a description and record of changes to the property, acreage, and land owner.

Tax lot information is now maintained electronically. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Assessor's Office Break Room: 
[Official Record of Descriptions of Real Properties], ca.1969-2000 (75 volumes).
1916-1979 

Series documents the authorization by the state and local governments for the use of public waters. Series includes water rights, licenses, and certificates of water rights issued by the state and filed with the county. Records may include alphabetical indexes to the certificates, transcripts, statements, evidence, and other records specifically related to water rights cases heard by circuit and appellate courts. Information includes names of individuals proving water rights; locations of water rights including the township, range, and section number; descriptions of land under such rights; and limitations of appropriations of rights and use of rights (i.e., length of time, usage). Original water rights certificates are filed with the Oregon Water Resources Department. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Vault: 
Certificate of Water Rights, vol. 1, 1916-1961 (1 volume); 
Findings of Fact and Order of Determination [Tualatin River and Tributaries], 1959 (1 volume); 
General Index [to Water Rights], 1916-1979 (1 volume).
​1970-[ongoing]

Series documents the development and implementation of codes and policies relating to the zoning of county lands and to illustrate and locate zoned areas within the county. Records include uniform zone codes and ordinances depicting zoned lands in the county. Information in codes and ordinances includes definition, code/ordinance numbers, purposes, uses, conditions for use, and changes made to codes/ordinances. Maps include area and/or zone descriptions, dates created, scales, and commissioners' signatures. Areas are typically zoned for residential, industrial, commercial, flood plain, agricultural, timber, public and government, and mineral extraction uses. 

Zoning information is also recorded in the County Commissioners Administrative Journals. 

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office: 
C.C.Z.O. [Columbia County Zoning Ordinance Housekeeping Amendments], 1999 (1 binder);
Comp Plan and Zoning Ordinance Legislative History [Records-Comprehensive], 1970-present (9 binders); 
Ord 83.7 [Zoning Ordinance], 1983 (1 binder); 
Zoning Map [Wall Map], 2015 (1 map);
Zoning Ordinance, 1984 (1 binder).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Office Counter: 
[Zoning Maps], 1984-ca.2012 (12 volumes); 
Zoning [Maps], 1985-n.d. (3 binders); 
Zoning Ordinance, 1984-2016 (1 binder).

Records at the Columbia County Courthouse Annex, Land Development Services Old Jail Storage Room: 
Legislative Amendments [includes amendments to the zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan], 1990-2004 (5 cu.ft.);
[Miscellaneous Rolled Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Maps], ca.1970-n.d. (ca.50 maps);
[Superseded Zoning Maps-on assessor's map base], n.d. (2.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Columbia County Website: 
​​​
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Canal with water in it stretching out towards horizon and Mt. St. Helens with snow in the background.
A canal north of Scappoose with Mt. St. Helens in the distance. (Oregon Scenic Images collection​​)
​

Columbia County Courthouse

230 Strand St. 
St. Helens, OR 97051 
Clerk: 503-397-3796 
Courts: 503-397-2327