​​​This guide includes maps, county and office histories, scenic images and a comprehensive descriptive inventory of selected records for each of Oregon's 36 counties. The inventory listings describe records available at the State Archives, county offices, local museums and other repositories.

Records held by the counties, the Oregon State Archives and others. This section includes an explanation of how the records series descriptions are compiled​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

Trace the evolution of county governments in Oregon. Histories include the creation and naming of the county; designation of boundaries; location of the county seat; construction of the courthouse; development of the county government; and descriptions of major industrial geographical, demographic, or historical features of the county.

Types of county offices and the functions they perform.

Maps of the state of Oregon showing counties, county seats and geographical features.

Project history for the Oregon Historical County Records Guide including inventory parameters and descriptions of records.

A glossary of terms used in the inventory, credits and suggested ​further reading.