​​​​​1956-1999

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 Survey and Assessor Image Locator (SAIL) GIS mapping application includes images of assessor maps, aerial photographs, survey records, subdivisions, condominiums, partitions, and government corner surveys. The information dates from circa 1851 to the present.

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

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Map Room:

Aerial Photos [Rural-paper and mylar], 1986 (ca.300 photographs);

Aerial Photos [Urban], 1981 (ca.75 photographs);

Aerials [Color Photographs], 1999 (8 photographs);

Aerials [Photographs], 1966, 1972, 1974 (ca.100 photographs); 1977 (ca.100 photographs);

Air Photos [Urban], 1956 (ca.100 photographs);

Significant Wetlands [Aerial Photomaps], 1986 (ca.30 photomaps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

[Aerial Photographs], 1957-1980 (ca.1000 photographs);

[Aerial Photographs-with index], 1960 (ca.50 photographs);

Aerial Photos, 1973-1974 (ca.75 photographs).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

Columbia Slough Maps & Photos [Aerial-rolled], n.d. (1 cu.ft.).

​1859-[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 Rolls [Assessment Roll], 1866, 1873 (2 volumes);

Assessment and Tax Rolls [Assessment Roll-letters H through L only], 1894 (1 volume);

Assessment and Tax Rolls [Tax Roll-includes assessment information], 1871 (1 volume);

Index [to Tax Roll], 1903 (1 volume);

Recapitulation of Delinquent Tax Roll, 1897-1898 (4 volumes).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 125:

[Assessment Tax Roll], 1859, 1861, 1864 (1 reel microfilm);

Block Books [Assessors and Acreage-Assessment], 1907-1966 (163 reels of microfilm);

[Certified Tax Roll-title varies], 2001-2011 (11 feet of microfiche);

Index to Tax Roll and Block Books, 1921-1937 (9 reels of microfilm);

[Index to Tax Rolls], 1937-1966 (29 reels of microfilm);

Multnomah County Tax Roll, 1942-1951 (184 reels of microfilm);

Multnomah County Tax Roll Paid Between June 1951 and March 1955 [Delinquent], 1942-1951 (15 reels of microfilm);

Owner's Index [to Assessment Roll and Tax Roll], 1977-2002 (5 inches of microfiche);

Pers Property Tax Roll [Personal], 1966-1977 (41 reels of microfilm);

Property Owners Index [Personal], 1967-1976 (18 reels of microfilm); 1980-1983 (1 reel of microfilm);

Real Property Assess Roll, 1969-1972 (5 reels of microfilm);

Real Property Tax Dept. [Roll], 1950-1959 (200 reels of microfilm);

Real Property Tax Roll, 1886-1895 (3 reels of microfilm);

Real Property Tax Rolls, 1966-1977 (143 reels of microfilm);

Tax Ledger Rolls, 1959-1966 (251 reels of microfilm);

Tax Records P.P. [Personal Property Tax Roll-boxed], 1942-1951 (40 reels of microfilm);

Tax Roll, 1977-2002 (12 feet of microfiche);

Tax Roll Personal Property 1941 & Prior, n.d.-1941 (14 reels of microfilm);

Tax Roll Transfer File, 1942-1951 (47 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

[Assessment & Tax Rolls], 1977-2010 (25 feet of microfiche);

[Assessment Roll Changes-title varies], 1967-2009 (171 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Map Room:

A & T Records for Use in Lot of Record Research [Assessment and Tax Rolls], 1989-1991 (15 inches of microfiche);

Drawer # 1 [Property Levy Roll-Tax], 2000 (1 inch of microfiche); 2002 (1 inch of microfiche);

Drawer # 1 [Tax Roll], 1979-1980 (6 inches of microfiche);

Drawer # 4 [Tax Roll], 1997-1998 (6 inches of microfiche);

Microfiche [Tax Roll], 1992-1994 (6 inches of microfiche); 1997-1999 (6 inches of microfiche).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14:

Tax Rolls Microfiche, 1980-1996 (2 feet of microfiche).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1275 Alias Delinquent Tax Roll, 1896 (1 volume);

Mss. 1275 Index of Names of Taxpayers in the Tax Roll [and Assessment], 1894 (1 volume); 1895 (1 volume);

Mss. 1275 Tax Assessment Roll, 1859, 1861, 1864 (3 volumes);

Mss. 1275 Tax Roll [partial-A and B of alphabet], 1871 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library:

Assessment and Taxation Real Property, 1886-1895 (1 reel of microfilm); 1895 (12 reel of microfilm);

Assessment and Taxation [Records], 1859-1864 (1 reel of microfilm);

Tax Roll Real Property, 1895 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Annual Summaries of Assessment & Taxes​, 2005-present.

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​. 

Assumed Business Names [Card Index], 1911-1965 (8 reels of microfilm).

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.

Beginning in 1855 assignment records were filed in the Miscellaneous Books. For indexes to these records see Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings. 

[Attachment Record], 1855-1890 (1 reel of microfilm). 

[Miscellaneous Books-includes some "assignments of rights in claims, judgments, leases, and real and personal property"], vol. 1-53, 1855-1921 (9 reels of microfilm). 

Misc. Books [Miscellaneous Record-includes some "assignments of rights in claims, judgments, leases, and real and personal property"], vol. 1-87, 1855-1929 (13 reels of microfilm).

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 John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives: 

Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1924 (1 volume).

​​​​​1860-1930

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, 1860 (1 volume);

Census Records [includes precinct no. 17-46, 55-77], 1895 (5 volumes); 1895 (3 reels of microfilm);

Search for 1895 Multnomah County census [precincts 17-46, 55-77] entries in Oregon Historical Records Index.

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Records Center, Microfilm Cabinet:

[Multnomah County State Census], 1895 (3 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

1860 Multnomah County Oregon Census [Transcript-End of Trail Researchers], 1860 (1 volume);

1870 U.S. Census Multnomah County [excludes incorporated City of Portland-Genealogical Forum of Portland-alphabetical], 1870 (1 volume).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library:

State Census-Mult Co. [Multnomah County], vol. 3-8, 1895 (3 reels of microfilm).

Records at a Related Website:

Census List, 1860 - 1940​ (US GenWeb Project);

1855-1987

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:

Circuit Court Testimony Transcripts, 1920-1937 (2 cu.ft.).

[Circuit Court Case Exhibits], 1954-1966 (11 reels of microfilm);

[Circuit Court Case Files-includes civil and domestic relations cases-also includes criminal cases beginning in 1976], no. 263000-424451, 70.10.0001-83.69164, 1960-1983 (178 feet of microfiche);

[Circuit Court Case Files-includes civil and domestic relations cases-also includes criminal cases until 1931], no. 1-100093, 1A-49335A, 100101-262999, 1855-1960 (3769 reels of microfilm);

[Circuit Court Criminal Case Files], no. C46000-C60905, 1965-ca.1975 (15 feet of microfiche);

[Circuit Court Criminal Flat File-Case Files], no. C16429-C46819, 1931-1965 (198 reels of microfilm);

Circuit Court Index [Plaintiff and Defendant], 1874-1979 (70 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 131, Circuit Court File Viewing Room:

Circuit Court Indexes, 1976-1987 (1 binder of microfiche).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area:

Circuit Court Files Old [includes U.S. District Court], no. 2-971, 1855-1860 (3 cu.ft.).

1859-1980

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:

Circuit Court Bench Docket, 1859-1873 (3 volumes).

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 131, Circuit Court File Room:

[Circuit Court Bench Docket], 1873-1879 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Circuit Court Docket], vol. 1, 1910-1911 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Circuit Court Transcript of Judgment Register], 1895-1961 (5 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area:

Circuit Court Criminal Register [with index], vol. 1, 1905-1908 (1 volume); vol. 29, 1948-1950 (1 volume); vol. 31-59, 1951-1971 (29 volumes);

Circuit Court Fee Register [also titled Circuit Court Register-with gaps], vol. 1-853, 1871-1980 (ca.740 volumes);

Circuit Court Reciprocal Register, vol. 1-11, 1963-1975 (11 volumes);

Court of Domestic Relations [Register-includes name changes and adoptions], 1926-1975 (15 volumes);

Criminal Docket, 1885-1907 (1 volume);

Fee Book Civil Cases [with index], 1874-1875 (1 volume);

Fee Book Criminal Cases, 1874-1879 (1 volume);

Multnomah County [Trial Docket], 1898-1912 (1 volume);

Register of Exhibits, vol. 1-2, 1909-1927 (2 volumes);

Trial Docket Circuit Court-Dept. 4, 1913-1919 (1 volume).

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. 

Circuit Court Journal [Civil, Criminal, and Domestic Relations], vol. 1-388, 1859-1929 (46 reels of microfilm); vol. 1609-1872, 1964-1973 (288 reels of microfilm);

[Circuit Court Journal Civil], vol. 1873-2004, 1973-1982 (131 reels of microfilm);

[Circuit Court Judgment Journal-Civil and Domestic Relations Cases], vol. 389-1350, 1929-1961 (230 reels of microfilm);

Criminal Journal [Circuit Court], vol. 1-47, 1972-1978 (47 reels of microfilm); 

Dom. Rel. Journal [Circuit Court Domestic Relations], vol. 1-64, 1977-1982 (64 reels of microfilm);

[Index to Circuit Court Journal], 1855-1934 (1 reel of microfilm); 

[PS Criminal and Misc. Journals-Circuit Court Criminal and Miscellaneous], vol. 1-1607, 1929-1964 (272 reels of microfilm).

1849-1972

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.

Beginning in 1964 miscellaneous recordings were entered in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings series).

[Direct and Indirect Misc. Index-Miscellaneous], 1909-1921 (1 reel of microfilm);

Miscellaneous Books, vol. 1-354, 1929-1964 (90 reels of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Books-vol. 1 to 8 with index], vol. 1-87, 1855-1929 (13 reels of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Index Direct], 1909-1972 (4 reels of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Index Indirect], 1921-1972 (3 reels of microfilm).

County Clerk's Recorded Documents, 1961-1969 (.35 cu.ft.);

Recorded Documents Index, 1914-1949 (1 volume).

Mss. 1275 [Miscellaneous Instruments-includes land claim records], ca.1850-1908 (1 volume);

Mss. 1275 Washington County Records Pertaining to Multnomah County [includes miscellaneous records], 1849-1861 (1 volume).

Misc. Books [Miscellaneous Record-vol. 1 to 8 with index], vol. 1-87, 1855-1929 (13 reels of microfilm).

1964-[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 also 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 1964 deeds, mortgages, water rights, mining claims, military discharges, and miscellaneous recordings were recorded in the Book of Records. Separate indexes were maintained until 1973, when combined indexes were created for the Book of Records. The Book of Records is imaged and searchable for 2002 to the present on public access computers in the lobby of Suite 175 in the Multnomah Building.

[Book of Records], vol. 966-2804, 1974-1993 (1597 reels of microfilm); no. 94.1-2001.213724, 1994-2001 (610 reels of microfilm);

Recording Index [Direct], 1973-1982 (15 reels of microfilm);

Recording Index [Indirect], 1973-1982 (17 reels of microfilm);

Recording Index [Recordings Direct], 1974-1981 (16 reels of microfilm);

Recording Index [Recordings Indirect], 1974-1981 (14 reels of microfilm);

Recordings Direct, 1974-1982 (22 reels of microfilm);

Recordings Indirect, 1974-1982 (22 reels of microfilm).

[Recording Direct Index], 1974-2011 (15 inches of microfiche);

[Recording Indirect Index], 1974-2011 (15 inches of microfiche).

[Book of Records], 1964-present (9409 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, West Entrance Basement Records Storage Room:

Deeds [actually Book of Records], vol. 1-2810B, 1964-1993 (3540 reels of microfilm); no. 94.1-2004.015614, 1994-2004 (3164 reels of microfilm).

​​1855-[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 Multnomah Building, Suite 600, Board Clerk's Office:

Meeting Minutes [Board of Commissioners], 2010-present (3 binders).

Records at the Multnomah Building, File Storage Room 626:

Agenda Packet Files [Board Meeting Packets-Commissioners-includes briefing documents and copies of minutes], 2010-present (11 cu.ft.);

[Board of Commissioners Annotated Minutes], 1989-2006 (34 binders); 2007-2009 (.40 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

Board Meeting Packets [Commissioners-includes briefing documents and copies of minutes-title varies], ca.1986-2003 (104 cu.ft.);

Journal [Board of County Commissioners-title varies], vol. 1-163, 1913-1989 (163 volumes);

Supplement Decisions [to Commissioners Journal-title varies], 1975-1982 (5 cu.ft.);

Supplement to Journal [Commissioners-includes zoning and other ordinances-title varies], 1941-1978 (73 volumes).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Records Center:

Board Meeting Packets [Commissioners], 2003-2009 (45 cu.ft.);

Index [Board of County Commissioners Journal], ca.1922-ca.1982 (4.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Records Center, Microfilm Cabinet:

[BOCC Journals-County Commissioners Journal], vol. 1-163, 1913-1989 (27 reels of microfilm);

[County Commissioners Journal], vol. 1-50, 1855-1914 (22 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Past Board Meeting Agendas, Minutes, Videos and Audio Files [Commissioners], 2010-present;

Search Board Documents​ [Commissioners-includes minutes, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations], 1962-present.

​​​1855-[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, and road and bridge use limits.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

County Commissioners Orders and Resolutions, 1924-1933 (.20 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 600, Board Clerk's Office:

Ordinance Index, 1962-present (1 binder);

Ordinances [public research copy], no. 1187-1193, 2010-present (1 binder);

Ordinances [record copy], 2010-present (.20 cu.ft.);

Resolutions, Proclamations, Orders [record copy], 2011-present (.75 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah Building, File Storage Room 626:

Board Orders Resolutions Proclamations [public research copy], 1988-present (69 binders);

Index Board Orders Resolutions Proclamations, 1988-2003 (1 binder);

Multnomah County Code Land Use [Draft], vol. II, 2000 (1 binder);

Multnomah County Code of Ordinances, ca.1998-2011 (1 binder);

[Multnomah County Ordinances-record copy], no. 1066-1173, 2005-2010 (1 cu.ft.);

Multnomah County Zoning Ordinance, 1995 (1 binder);

Ordinances [public research copy], no. 1-1086, 1962-present (25 binders);

Resolutions, Proclamations, Orders [record copy], 1993-present (13 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

Ordinances, vol. 1-4, 1927-1976 (4 reels of microfilm);

[Road Orders], 1937-1987 (3 reels of microfilm);

[Unnumbered Ordinances], 1937-1987 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Library Area:

Code of Ordinances [Multnomah County], vol. 1, 1963-1998 (1 binder);

Multnomah County Code, n.d.-2004 (1 binder);

Multnomah County Ordinances, no. 1-1086, vol. 1-17, 1963-present (17 binders);

Multnomah County Zoning Ordinance, 1978-1995 (5 binders);

Ordinance 100 [Zoning], ca.1972-ca.1978 (1 binder);

Zoning Ord. [Ordinance-includes interim], 1953-1955 (1 binder).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Transportation Central Files Room 222:

[Road Proceedings Files-includes deeds, orders, resolutions, and related records], 1855-present (86 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

Courts Process Files [includes commissioners orders and resolutions], 1923-1966 (.75 cu.ft.);

Index for Board Orders, 1946-1975 (1 volume);

Land Use Codes & Ordinances, 1982 (2 cu.ft.);

Multnomah Co. Code & Revisions [Codified County Ordinances], 1970-1982 (.35 cu.ft.);

Orders Resolutions Proclamations, 1967-1987 (26 cu.ft.);

Ordinances [Multnomah County], 1982 (1 cu.ft.);

Supplement to Journal [Commissioners-includes zoning and other ordinances-title varies], 1941-1978 (73 volumes).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Records Center:

Ordinances, no. 1-1065, 1962-2004 (8 cu.ft.);

Resolutions, Proclamations, Orders, 1964-1988 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Records Center, Microfilm Cabinet:

[Orders, Resolutions, Proclamations & Indexes], 1988-1995 (4 reels of microfilm);

[Ordinances], 1967-1990 (2 reels of microfilm);

[Resolutions & Orders], 1982 (7 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B3:

[Bridge Records-includes board orders, deeds, ordinances, and rights-of-way for Willamette River bridges and ramps], ca.1895-present (60 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14:

Historic Zoning and Subdivision Codes One Sided Copies], ca.1953-ca.2003 (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

Code of Ordinances [Multnomah County], vol. 1, 1963-1998 (1 binder);

Multnomah County Code, 1978-1990 (1 volume);

Multnomah County Ordinance Index, 1967-2000 (1 binder);

Multnomah County Ordinances, 1967 (1 volume);

Multnomah County Ordinances, no. 810-959, 1995-2000 (4 binders);

Multnomah County Subdivision Regulations, 1955 (1 volume);

Multnomah County Zoning Ordinance, 1955 (1 volume); 1990 (1 volume); 1995 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Board Resolutions, Orders and Proclamations, 1978-present;

Historical Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances​ [use menu], 1953-2003;

Multnomah County Code ​of Ordinances, 1963-present;

Search Board Documents [Commissioners-includes minutes, orders, ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations], 1962-present.

​1852-[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.

The Survey and Assessor Image Locator​ (SAIL) GIS mapping application includes searchable images of assessor maps, aerial photographs, survey records, subdivisions, condominiums, partitions, and government corner surveys. The information dates from circa 1851 to the present.

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office:

Bearing Tree [Books], vol. A-H, 1884-present (20 inches of aperture cards);

[Map Index to Surveys, Bearing Trees, Subdivisions, Partitions, and Field Books], 1852-present (ca.900 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office, Corner Survey Records Area:

Book [Bearing Tree Corner Restoration Records], vol. A-H, 1884-present (8 volumes);

Corner Books [Restoration], 1953-present (84 volumes);

[Corner Restoration Case Files-includes copies of older documents], no.1000-4112, 2000-present (22 cu.ft.);

[Corner Survey Visual Reference Map Index], n.d. (1 volume);

PEG Books [Corner Survey Field Books], 1940-1941 (123 volumes).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Microfilm Cabinet Near Room B15:

D Book [Surveyor Journal Government Monuments], vol. D, 1961-1965 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Restored Government Corners-Bearing Trees], vol. A-B, 1884-1955 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Vault Room B16:

Government Land Monument [Bearing Trees-Record], vol. A-D, 1884-1965 (4 volumes).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

Restored Government Corners [with index], vol. A-B, 1885-1940 (1 reel of microfilm);

Surveyor's Record [includes corner restorations-with index], vol. 1-3, 1857-1933 (1 reel of microfilm).

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. 

[Coroner's Death Register], 1930-1964 (5 volumes); 

Coroner's Death Reports [with index], vol. 1, 1923-1924 (1 volume); vol. 3-6, 1925-1929 (4 volumes); 

Record of Coroner's Investigations [with index], 1894-1923 (1 volume). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Records Center, Microfilm Cabinet: 

Coroner's Examination [Medical Exam Index to Coroners], vol. 1-11, 1902-1965 (1 reel of microfilm);

[County Examination-Coroner's Record, no. 12600-50804, 1933-1957 (48 reels of microfilm).

 

Medical Exam Index to Coroner's Inquests, 1902-1965 (1 reel of microfilm).

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. 

County budgets may also be found in the County Commissioners Journal (County Commissioners Administrative Journals). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

Adopted Budgets [includes budget estimates], 1953-2004 (6 cu.ft.). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives, Microfilm Storage:

Budget Estimates [title varies-includes budgets and estimates], 1928-1964 (14 reels of microfilm). 

Records at the Multnomah Building, Budget Office 4th Floor Records Storage Room 199: 

County Budget [title varies-with gaps], 1957-present (57 binders).  

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

Multnomah County Adopted Budget, 1996-1999 (1 volume); 1999-2000 (1 volumes); 

Multnomah County Approved Budget, 1992-1993 (1 volume); 1995-1996 (1 volume); 

Multnomah County Budget, 1965-1992 (28 volumes); 1996-2009 (24 volumes); 

Multnomah County Proposed Executive Budget, 1975-1993 (23 volumes).  

Records at the Multnomah County Website: 

Multnomah County Adopted Budget, 2000-present.

​1973-[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.

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Library Area:

Community Plan [includes Parkrose, Columbia, Powellhurst, and others], 1979 (7 volumes);

Comp. Plan State Goals [Comprehensive Plan-includes goals 1-9, 12-14], 1980 (13 binders);

Comprehensive Framework Plan [includes policies, findings, summaries, and drafts], 1977, 1980 (1 cu.ft.); 1983 (1 binder); 1998 (1 binder);

Howard Canyon Reconciliation Report-Amendment to Multnomah County Comprehensive Framework Plan, 1994-1995 (2 volumes);

West Hills Reconciliation Report-Amendment to Multnomah County Comprehensive Framework Plan, 1994-1996 (3 volumes).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Map Room:

Urban Growth Boundary [and Metro Boundary-Atlas], 1978 (1 volume).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14:

[Comprehensive Framework Plan Maps], ca.1977 (ca.25 maps);

Framework Plan Community Plans [Comprehensive Plan Photographic Slides-includes maps and related documents], ca.1973-n.d. (.10 cu.ft.);

Goals [Comprehensive Plan Development Records], no. 1-15, ca.1975-ca.1994 (8 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

Urban Growth Boundary [Maps], 1996 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

Comprehensive Framework Plan Summary, 1977 (1 volume);

Draft Comprehensive Framework Plan, vol. 1-2, 1977 (2 volumes);

East of Sandy River Rural Area Plan [Comprehensive], 1997 (1 volume);

Multnomah County Comprehensive Framework Plan, 1980-1998 (1 volume);

Sauvie Island/Multnomah Channel Rural Area Plan, 1997 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Multnomah County Comprehensive Plan.

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. 

Permanent Files [County Court Rolls-Judicial Case Files], 1914-1915 (.10 cu.ft.).

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. 

[Journal County Court Law-includes some citizenship and insanity cases], vol. 1-8, 1859-1934 (4 reels of microfilm). 

Mss. 1275 [County Court Docket-includes law and probate cases], 1859-1871 (1 volume).

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.

In 1994 the Friends of Multnomah County Fair, a non-profit organization, assumed responsibility for county fair operations.

Multnomah County Fair and Expo Study [oversized], 1963 (.30 cu.ft.). 

County Fair Handbooks [1999.068.06], 1924, 1929-1994 (1 cu.ft.);

Portland Expo Center Committee and Task Force Records [Minutes, Reports, and Correspondence-includes fair board minutes-1999.068.03], 1982-1994 (.75 cu.ft.);

Reports and Studies [Portland Expo Center-includes county fair documentation 1999.068.04], 1953-1994 (2 cu.ft.).

Fair Premium [Lists-title varies], 1957, 1959, 1964, 1966-1972, 1974-1975, 1979-1980, 1982-1989 (22 volumes).

1885-1987

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.

Auditor's Annual Reports, 1934-1966 (3 volumes);

Auditor's Semi-Annual Reports, 1895-1934 (3 volumes);

Branch Records [County Library-includes monthly reports], ca.1911-ca.1985 (6 cu.ft.);

County Auditor's Annual Reports, 1975-1987 (.25 cu.ft.);

Monthly Report of Departments [Multnomah County Hospital Journal and Order Book], 1919-1924 (1 volume);

Monthly Reports of Departments [includes fruit inspector, county physician, and clerk for the board of relief], 1913-1940, 1944-1947 (21 volumes).

Annual Report of the County Auditor of Multnomah County, Oregon [title varies], 1930-1966 (ca.37 volumes);

Auditors Semi-annual Exhibit of Finances of Multnomah County [Reports-title varies], 1885-1929 (ca.90 volumes);

Multnomah County Sheriff's Annual Reports, 1935-1939 (5 volumes); 1945-1946 (2 volumes);

Report of a Survey of Public Health Nursing in Multnomah County, Oregon, 1942 (1 volume);

Report of the Activities of the Office of County Auditor, 1975-1987 (ca.10 volumes).

Multnomah County Sheriff's Annual Report, 1946 (1 volume).

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 John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives: 

Record of Births and Deaths, 1915-1924 (1 volume).

1849-[ongoing]

Series documents the ownership of land. Series includes deeds, land sales contracts, quitclaim 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 1964 deeds have been recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). Separate deed indexes were maintained until 1973, when combined indexes were created for the Book of Records.

Deed Index Direct and Indirect, ca.1855-1878 (2 volumes);

Deeds [Multnomah County area of Washington County-transcribed], vol. 1, 1849-1854 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 125:

Assess & Tax Deed Transfers [Record], 1983 (2 reels of microfilm);

[Deed Record-includes deeds from Washington County until 1854], vol. 1-2, A-Z, 27-1176, 1849-1929 (217 reels of microfilm);

[PS Deeds], vol. 1-2212, 1929-1964 (784 reels of microfilm);

Records of County Owned Lands [includes deeds], 1905-1960 (1 reel of microfilm).

Deed Index [Direct], 1850-1972 (50 reels of microfilm);

Deed Index [Indirect], 1850-1972 (54 reels of microfilm).

[Acreage-Deed Transfers-Records], 1911-1961 (37 reels of microfilm);

Deed Transfers [title varies], 1940-1997 (809 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

Deed Record [Multnomah County area of Washington County-transcribed], vol. 1, 1849-1854 (1 volume);

Deed Record, vol. A-I, K-M, O-Z, 27-63, 1855-1869, 1869-1871, 1871-1883 (61 volumes);

Direct and Indirect Index to Deeds [surnames beginning with A-H, M-O, S, W-Z], 1849-1894 (7 volumes);

Guide to First Deed Index, 1850-1894 (1 volume);

Index to County Deeds, 1926-1965 (1 volume);

Index to Deed Records, vol. 2, 1931-1961 (1 volume);

Index to Deeds, 1854-1925 (7 volumes);

Indirect Index to Deeds, 1871-1878 (1 volume).

Acreage [Deed Transfers], 1911-1976 (79 reels of microfilm);

Deeds, vol. 1-2212, 1929-1964 (784 reels of microfilm);

Deed Transfers, 1940-1986 (ca.350 reels of microfilm);

Indirect Deeds [Index], 1940-1972 (29 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Transportation Central Files Room 222:

[Road Proceedings Files-includes deeds, orders, resolutions, and related records], 1855-present (86 cu.ft.).

[Bridge Records-includes board orders, deeds, ordinances, and rights-of-way for Willamette River bridges and ramps], ca.1895-present (60 cu.ft.).

Records at the City of Portland Archives & Records Center:

Former County Road Files [includes road deeds, plans, specifications, reports, and contracts], 1900-2002 (76 cu.ft.).

Mss. 1275 Abstract of Deeds, 1855-1865 (3 volumes);

Mss. 1275 Washington County Records Pertaining to Multnomah County [includes deeds], 1849-1861 (1 volume);

Mss. Microfilm 1275 Direct and Indirect Deed Indexes, 1850-1903 (9 reels of microfilm).

Deed Records [Multnomah County area of Washington County-transcribed], vol. 1, 1849-1854 (1 reel of microfilm);

Deed Records, vol. A-Z, 27-1946, 1855-1959 (869 reels of microfilm);

Direct Deed Index, 1850-1972 (50 reels of microfilm);

Indirect Deed Index, 1850-1972 (27 reels of microfilm).

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.

Delayed Births [Register-documents births from ca.1865 to ca.1950], 1943-1973 (15 reels of microfilm). 

Birth Index [Delayed], 1943-ca.1977 (1 volume); 

Birth Register Petitions [Delayed Birth], vol. 9, 1961-1977 (1 volume).

1908-1979

Series documents the actions, proceedings, and judgments of the district court in relation to civil and criminal cases. Civil case dockets include plaintiff, defendant, attorney, and judge names; nature, title, and disposition of case; and issuance, service, return of summons, and filing dates. Criminal dockets include plaintiff, defendant, attorney, and judge names; warrant issuance, trial, judgment, sentence, and release dates; verdict; and case number. Types of cases include assault, burglary, larceny, trespass, disturbing the peace, vagrancy, traffic offenses, and recovery of money or damages related to debt or other civil cases. District court records have been inventoried through 1940. For information on more recent records, contact the circuit court file room.

In 1913 the Oregon Legislative Assembly created district courts. At that time all justice courts in Multnomah County except the Gresham District and ex-officio justice courts (municipal courts) were abolished and their jurisdiction was transferred to the district courts. See also Justice Court Dockets.

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room B13, District Court Basement Archives:

[Criminal Docket-Justice and District Court], 1908-1943 (7 reels of microfilm);

[District Court Docket-Civil], no. 1-258282, 1913-1940 (66 reels of microfilm);

[District Court Index], 1913-1940 (18 reels of microfilm).

Defendant's Index District Court [includes letters A-L only], 1940 (1 volume);

Small Claims [District Court Docket], vol. 1-15, 1915-1941 (15 volumes).

Civil District Court Docket, 1913-1979 (109 reels of microfilm);

District Court Plaintiff & Defendant Index, 1913-1954 (32 reels of microfilm);

Plaintiff and Defendant's Small Claims [District Court Index], vol. 1-26, 1926-1959 (4 reels of microfilm).

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. 

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: 

Election Voting Abstracts, 1878-1928 (2 reels of microfilm); 1903, 1906-1921, 1923 (7 cu.ft.); 1919-1920, 1926 (1 volume). 

Abstracts [General Elections Abstract of Votes], 1960 (1 volume); 

Abstracts [of Vote], 1930-1956 (22.50 cu.ft.). 

[Abstract of Votes], 1960 (1 reel of microfilm);

Abstracts of Vote-General Election, 1878-1928 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Record of Elections], 1902-1968 (1 reel of microfilm).

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. 

Record of Registration of Farm Names, 1911-1965 (1 reel of microfilm). 

County Clerk's Recorded Docs. [Documents-includes interfiled farm name registration records], 1912-1954 (.15 cu.ft.).

​​​1850-1957

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 John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office:

[Flat File and GLO Plat-General Land Office], 1852-ca.1936 (1 volume).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office, Corner Survey Records Area:

Claim Notes [Donation Land Claim Survey Field Notes-handwritten copy], ca.1854-ca.1858 (1 volume).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Microfilm Cabinet Near Room B15:

[Donation Land Claim Instructions and Certificates], ca.1853-ca.1857 (2 inches of microfiche).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Surveyor's Archives Room B17:

D.L.C.s [Donation Land Claim Survey Record Books], 1852-ca.1857 (4 binders).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175:

Miscellaneous Books [includes some Certificates of U.S. Land Office/Homesteads and Donation Land Claims], 1857-1893 (3 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

D.L.C.s & Legal Subdivisions [Donation Land Claims-Record], 1852-ca.1906 (1 volume);

General Land Office Plats of Original Surveys, 1850-1921 (1 volume);

Index Maps [Donation Land Claim], 1955 (1 volume);

U.S. General Land Office Plats of Original Surveys, 1851-1917 (1 volume).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1275 [Miscellaneous Instruments-includes some land claim records], ca.1850-1908 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Multnom​ah County Map Resources​​

Records at Related Websites:​

Search Land Patents [patent and legal land descriptions and document images], ca.1864-ca.1957 (BLM GLO).

1855-1931

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.

Beginning in 1855 foreclosure sale certificates were filed in the Miscellaneous Books. For indexes to these records see Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings.

Delinquent Tax Sale Record, 1903-1910 (1 volume);

Sheriff's Deeds Record, 1897-1931 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175:

[Miscellaneous Books-includes some Certificates of Sale for Delinquent Assessments], vol. 53, 1920 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Books-includes some Certificates of Sale for Delinquent Taxes], vol. 1-25, 1859-1909 (6 reels of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Books-includes some Certificates of Sale to Satisfy Judgments], vol. 1-53, 1855-1920 (9 reels of microfilm).

Record of Delinquent Tax Sales, 1888-1895 (1 reel of microfilm).

1920-[ongoing]

Series documents the activities of the county health and human services programs operated by the county. Series includes narrative or statistical monthly, quarterly, and annual reports or minutes discussing program goals, objectives, and accomplishments. Program areas include public and mental health; juvenile services; adult and family services; women, infant, and child (WIC) services; alcohol and drug abuse; and developmental disabilities. In 1994 the name of the Children and Youth Services Commission was changed to the Commission on Children and Families.

Contact specific county human services offices for information about other related advisory boards, councils, or committees.

Records at the Commission on Children, Families & Communities Office:

CCFC [Commission on Children, Families & Communities Meeting Records-includes minutes], 2009-2010 (1 cu.ft.); 2011-present (.75 cu.ft.).

Records at the Lincoln Building, Suite 520, Mental Health and Addiction Services Division Office:

[AMHSAAC-Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Advisory Council Meeting Records-includes minutes], 2002-present (on computer);

Behavioral Health Advisory Council-Children & Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse [Meeting Records-includes minutes], 1999-2002 (1 binder);

CAMHSA [Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Meeting Records-includes minutes], 2002-2003 (1 binder);

CMHSAC [Children's Mental Health Systems Advisory Committee Meeting Records-includes minutes], 2004-present (4 binders).

Executive Partners Meetings [Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council Meeting Records-includes related records], 2004-present (.30 cu.ft.).

Records at the McCoy Building, 9th Floor, Health Department Office, Community Health Council Staff Cubicle:

Community Health Council [Meeting Records-includes minutes], 2006 (1 binder); 2009-2011 (3 binders); 2012-present (.25 cu.ft.);

[Community Health Council Meeting Records-includes minutes], 2000-present (on computer).

Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Advisory Council Meeting Records-includes minutes-control no. 2012-000102], 2003-2009 (1 cu.ft.);

Alcohol and Drug Program Admin. Records Multnomah Council on Chemical Dependency [Records-includes minutes-control no. 1998-090-02], 1984-1995 (.50 cu.ft.);

AMHSA and CAMHSA [Adult Mental Health and Substance Abuse Council and Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Meeting Records-includes minutes-control no. 2005.000306], 1999-2004 (1 cu.ft.);

CCFC Meeting Records [Commission on Children, Families & Communities-includes related records], 1994-2008 (12 cu.ft.);

Community Health Council [Records-includes minutes], 1980-2000 (7 cu.ft.);

JSC Minutes and Agendas [Juvenile Services Commission], 1984-1988 (1.50 cu.ft.);

PMCOA [Portland/Multnomah Commission on Aging Records-includes minutes-control no. 1989-041-01], 1985-1987 (.25 cu.ft.).

[Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council Records-includes minutes-control no. 2001-000436], 1992-1997 (1 cu.ft.).

Older People in the City of Portland and Multnomah County [Commission on Aging Report], 1973 (.05 cu.ft.);

Portland/Multnomah Commission on Aging Annual Report, 1987-1988 (1 volume).

Records at the City of Portland Archives & Records Center:

[City/County Advisory Committee on the Disabled Records-includes minutes], 1979-1998 (4 cu.ft.);

[City/County Council/Commission on Aging], 1960-1981 (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1783 Tri-County Community Council [includes information and meeting records related to Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties health, mental health, and youth services programs], 1920-1979 (49 cu.ft.).

1859-[ongoing]

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.

Records indicate that the circuit court assumed sole responsibility for mental cases from the county court in 1919. Mental Commitment Case Files have been indexed on the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) since 1988.

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 131, Circuit Court File Room:

[Journal County Court Law-includes some citizenship and insanity cases], vol. 1-8, 1859-1934 (4 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Basement, Room B-8:

Civil Commitment Files [Case-Mental], 2010-present (72 cu.ft.).

Civil Commitment Files [Case-Mental], 2004 (24 cu.ft.).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area:

Civil Commitments [Case Files-Mental], 2006 (25 cu.ft.);

Civil Commitments Mental Records, no. 1-29318, 1902-1960 (151 reels of microfilm);

Feeble-Minded [Index], ca.1919-ca.1944 (1 volume);

Feeble-Minded [Record], vol. 2, 1951-1964 (1 volume);

Index for Feeble-Minded, 1949-1979 (1 volume);

Index for Insane, 1949-1960 (1 volume);

Index for Mentally Ill [title varies], 1921-1986 (3 volumes);

Insane Index, vol. 1-4, n.d.-1948 (4 volumes);

Insane Misc. [Miscellaneous-Record], 1958 (1 volume);

Insane Record, vol. 1-232, 1862-1968 (88 reels of microfilm);

Mental Additions [Case Files], 1972-1975 (2 reels of microfilm);

Mental Commitments [Case Files], no. 29331-33669, 1961-1966 (24 inches of microfiche);

Mentally Deficient Case Files, no. 33675-47969, 1966-1979 (74 reels of microfilm);

Old Feeble-Minded [Index], 1917-1949 (1 volume);

Record of Feeble-Minded, vol. 1, 1917-1951 (1 volume);

Wards of State Institutions [with index], vol. 1, 1932-1947 (1 volume).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Side Caged Records Area:

Civil Commitments [Case Files-Mental], 2002-2003 (50 cu.ft.); 2007-2009 (75 cu.ft.).

Records at the Walnut Park Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Basement Records Area:

Civil Commitment Alpha Index [Cards-Mental], ca.1917-1985 (23 cu.ft.);

Civil Commitments [Mental Case Files-includes earlier cases from the county court], no. 1-53534, 1917-1983 (42 cu.ft.); no. 8401.95150-9501.98377, 1984-1995 (195 cu.ft.);

Civil Commitments [Mental Case Files], no. 99.60001-01.74149, 1999-2001 (67 cu.ft.).

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. 

Execution Docket, 1868-1873 (1 volume);

Execution Docket [County Court], vol. 1, 1859-1885 (1 volume). 

Execution Docket [title varies-with index], vol. 1-2, 4, 1859-1868, 1874-1877 (3 volumes); 

Execution Docket [with index], vol. 2, 1886-1919 (1 volume); 

Permanent Files [Circuit Court Judgment Records], 1914-1916 (.40 cu.ft.). 

Mss. 1275 Washington County Records Pertaining to Multnomah County [includes judgment liens], 1849-1861 (1 volume).

1859-1971

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 of the recorders court, police court, and municipal court of the City of Portland are included because all three courts held the status of ex-officio justice court. In 1913 the legislative assembly abolished all Multnomah County justice courts except the Gresham District and the municipal court and transferred their jurisdiction to the newly created district courts (District Court Dockets).

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Justice Court Dockets, 1859-1862 (2 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets [Albina Precinct], 1891 (1 volume);

Justice Court Dockets [Couch Precinct], 1872-1883 (2 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets [East Portland Precinct], 1866-1882, (4 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets [Madison Precinct], 1871-1874 (1 volume);

Justice Court Dockets [Morrison Precinct], 1872-1876, 1878-1883 (4 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets [North Portland Precinct], 1877-1881 (2 volumes);

Justice Court Dockets [Recorders Court, Morrison Precinct, and North Portland Precinct], 1863-1874 (1 volume);

Justice Court Dockets [South Portland Precinct], 1882-1883 (1 volume);

Justice Court Dockets [Washington Precinct], 1868-1871 (1 volume).

[Civil Docket-East Portland District], 1889-1913 (6 reels of microfilm);

[Civil Docket-North Portland Precinct], 1890-1895 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Civil Docket-Portland District], vol. 1-141, 1895-1913 (34 reels of microfilm);

[Civil Docket-South Portland District], 1890-1895 (2 reels of microfilm);

[Court Docket-Albina District], 1893-1897 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Criminal Docket-Justice and District Court], vol. 1-18, 1908-1943 (7 reels of microfilm);

[Criminal Docket-North Portland Precinct], 1887-1888 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Judges Docket-Municipal Court], 1894-1926 (15 reels of microfilm);

[Justice Docket], 1891-1892 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Justice Docket Criminal], 1908 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Municipal Court Docket Index], 1924-1971 (16 reels of microfilm).

[Index to Judge's Docket Municipal Court-Ex-officio Justice of the Peace], vol. 61, 1924 (1 volume); vol. 67-127, 1926-1940 (62 volumes);

Judge's Docket Municipal Court, vol. 61, 67-127, 1924, 1926-1940 (62 volumes);

Justice Docket [Justice of the Peace O.A. Eastman-with index], vol. 12, 1940-1942 (1 volume);

Original Record Municipal Court, 1924-1927 (15 volumes).

Records at the City of Portland Archives & Records Center:

Criminal Docket Recorders Court [with index], 1863-1864 (1 volume);

Criminal Docket [Recorders Court-with index], 1865 (1 volume);

Criminal Record [Recorders Court Journal], 1867-1868 (1 volume);

Docket Indexes [Municipal Court], 1912-1926 (38 volumes);

Judge's Docket Municipal Court, 1893-1894 (1 volume);

Judges Docket Police Court [Municipal Court beginning in 1893], 1886-1908 (10 volumes);

Justice Docket City of St. Johns [with index], 1907-1911 (1 volume); vol. 3, 1911-1915 (1 volume);

[Municipal Court Register], 1923 (1 volume);

Municipal Court Register Index, vol. 4-5, 7, 1895-1900, 1905-1907 (3 volumes);

Municipal Court Register [with index], vol. 1-2, 1893-1895 (2 volumes);

Original Record Municipal Court, 1925 (2 volumes);

[Police Court Docket], 1884-1890 (1 volume);

Police Court Docket State Cases, 1887-1903 (2 volumes);

Police Court Record [title varies], 1871-1889 (10 volumes);

Record [Police Court Docket-Ordinance Violation and Other Crimes], vol. 2-3, 1872-1876 (2 volumes);

Record [Recorders Court Journal], 1868-1870 (1 volume);

Records [Recorders and Police Court Journal], 1867-1871 (2 volumes);

Witness Docket Police Court, 1886-1891 (1 volume).

Mss. 1714 Civil Docket [Justice Docket-East Portland Precinct], 1901-1902 (1 volume);

Mss. 1714 Civil Docket [Justice Docket-North Portland Precinct], 1890-1892 (1 volume);

Mss. 1714 Criminal Docket [Justice Docket-North Portland Precinct], 1883-1885, 1894 (2 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-Couch Precinct], 1882-1886 (2 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-East Portland Precinct], 1882-1908 (17 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-Madison Precinct], 1880-1886 (3 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-Morrison Precinct], 1880-1886 (4 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-Northeast Portland Precinct], 1882-1886 (4 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-North Portland Precinct], 1880-1890, 1893-1894 (8 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-South Portland Precinct], 1884-1902 (5 volumes);

Mss. 1714 [Justice Docket-Western Precinct], 1880-1886 (2 volumes);

Mss. 1714 Record [Justice Docket-Albina Precinct], 1885-1893 (4 volumes).

​​​1861-[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.

Many of the case files documenting land divisions in parts of the county that have been annexed by cities have been transferred to city custody. The Survey and Assessor Image Locator​ (SAIL) GIS mapping application includes assessor maps, aerial photographs, survey records, subdivisions, condominiums, partitions, and government corner surveys. The information dates from circa 1851 to the present.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Fairview Plat and Certificate, 1882 (.10 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

LD [Land Division Case Files], 1955-2000 (6 cu.ft.);

Partition Plats [record copy-title varies], 1990-present (ca.3000 plats);

Plat Index [Subdivision], 1869-1937 (3 volumes);

Subdivision Plats [record copy-title varies], 1861-2009 (ca.175 cu.ft.);

Sub Division Plats, vol. 1-1219, ca.1861-1991 (12 inches of microfilm jackets);

T [Land Division Case Files], 2000-2007 (30 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B12:

T [Land Use Action Case Files], 2001-2003 (18 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B13:

T [Land Use Action Case Files-includes subdivision and partition case files], 2001-2007 (115 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14:

Historic Zoning and Subdivision Codes One Sided Copies, ca.1953-ca.2003 (2 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Microfilm Cabinet Near Room B15:

Microfilm Plat Books [Subdivision-incomplete], vol. 1-1217, ca.1861-ca.1985 (10 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Surveyor's Archives Room B17:

Plats and Condos Index [Condominiums], ca.1967-1988 (1 binder);

Recorded Subdivision Plats [Alphabetical Register], 1971-1991 (9 binders);

[Subdivision Plats], vol. 475-1251, ca.1909-2001 (ca.60 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, West Entrance Basement Records Storage Room:

Plats [Partition], 1990-1992 (1 reel of microfilm);

Plats [Subdivision], vol. 1-1224, ca.1861-1993 (16 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office:

Land Use Action Cards-includes land division actions], ca.1960-2007 (1.50 cu.ft.);

T [Land Use Action Case Files-includes subdivision and partition case files], 2008-present (ca.60 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office:

[Map Visual Index to Surveys, Bearing Trees, Subdivisions, Partitions, and Field Books], ca.1861-present (ca.900 maps);

Partition Plats, 1990-present (4 feet of aperture cards);

[Partition Plats], 1997-present (ca.2300 plats);

[Subdivision and Condominium Plats], vol. 1251-1303, 2001-present (10 cu.ft.);

Subdivision Plats, vol. 1-1303, ca.1861-present (12 feet of aperture cards).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 125:

Partition Plat Book [Register and Index], 1990-2004 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

D.L.C.s & Legal Subdivisions [Donation Land Claims-Record], 1852-ca.1906 (1 volume);

Old Plats [Subdivision and Condominiums], vol. 1-1301, ca.1861-2010 (38 reels of microfilm);

Partition Plats, 1990-2010 (15 reels of microfilm);

Plat Index [Subdivision], ca.1861-2004 (2 volumes);

Plats [Subdivision-incomplete set-with assessment-related notations], ca.1861-2000 (ca. 14 cu.ft.);

Recorded Plats [Index Cards], ca.1861-ca.1990 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

Multnomah County Subdivision Regulations, 1955 (1 volume).

Records at the City of Portland Archives & Records Center:

Land Use Review Records [documents actions related to land divisions, zone changes, conditional uses, and other subjects on former county land annexed by the City of Portland], 1965-1994 (20 cu.ft.).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library:

Plats [Subdivision and Condominium], 1871-2000 (23 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Historical Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances​ [use menu], 1953-2003;

Multnomah County Land Division Ordinance​, ca.1955-present.

1903-1965

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 Deeds and Indexes.

Certificate of Title [Register], no. 1-3416, 1909 (5 reels of microfilm).

Multnomah County Torrens [Book], vol. 1-58, 1903-1960 (21 reels of microfilm);

Tract Index of Registered Land, 1903-1965 (1 reel of microfilm).

​​​​1892-[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.

The Survey and Assessor Image Locator​ (SAIL) GIS mapping application includes assessor maps, aerial photographs, survey records, subdivisions, condominiums, partitions, and government corner surveys. The information dates from circa 1851 to the present. The Oregon Historical Society has plans related to county buildings such as the county courthouse as well as maps of Multnomah County.

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

[Assessor's Maps-colored-with notations], no. 0-3932, ca.1916 (2 volumes);

Columbia Slough Maps & Photos [Aerial-rolled], n.d. (1 cu.ft.);

Levy Code Maps, 1925-1980 (7 reels of microfilm);

Levy Code Maps for 1979-1980 Tax Roll, 1979-1980 ( 1 volume);

Lewis & Dryden's Atlas of Portland and Vicinity, 1892-1894 (1 volume);

Multnomah County Map [Assessor's], 1977 (1 volume); 1978 (1 volume);

P.G.E. R/W & Property Maps [Portland General Electric Right of Way], ca.1904-1961 (1 volume).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office:

[Assessor's Maps], 1978-1979 (ca.300 maps);

[Land Use Survey Maps], 1986-1990 (ca.200 maps);

Multnomah County Wetlands Maps, ca.1988 (ca.20 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Map Room:

Address Maps [includes superseded maps], n.d. (ca.150 maps);

Flood '79 Cross Sections [Maps-includes flood insurance rate maps and flood plain maps], 1978 (ca.50 maps);

Flood [Insurance Rate Maps], 2009 (ca.50 maps);

Significant Wetlands [Aerial Photomaps], 1986 (ca.30 photomaps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office Counter Area:

[Land Ownership Maps], 1997 (ca.100 maps);

[Zoning Related Maps-includes soils, parcels, base zone, recreation intensity], 1995 (ca.200 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office:

[Topographic Maps-United States Geological Survey], 1970-1986 (21 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

[Assessor's Maps], 1925-1979 (ca.4000 maps);

[County Facilities Maps and Plans-includes county courthouse, justice center, Rocky Butte Jail, and other county facilities], ca.1905-ca.2000 (ca.600 maps and plans);

Lewis & Dryden's Atlas of Portland and Vicinity, n.d. (1 volume);

Map of Multnomah County Oregon [Assessor's Maps], ca.1924 (1 volume);

Misc. Election Maps [Miscellaneous-includes maps related to election precincts], 1958-1982 (ca.8 cu.ft.);

[Planning Related Maps-includes miscellaneous soil type, habitat, etc.], ca.1955-ca.1995 (ca.50 maps);

Precinct Maps [rolled and flat], 1925, 1929 (.25 cu.ft.); 1950-1994 (50 cu.ft.);

[Scale Cloth Maps-Assessor's], 1906-1924 (1 volume); 1924 (1 volume);

[Vista House Plans-copies], 1915-1917 (ca.35 plans).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives, Microfilm Storage:

General Election Precinct Maps, 1953-1974 (11 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Records Center, Microfilm Cabinet:

Abstracts and Precinct Maps [Voting], 1976-1994 (11 reels of microfilm);

[Election Maps], 1968 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Election Precinct Maps], 1953-1968 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Election Precincts City of Portland Maps], 1960 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Precinct Maps], 1972 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Prec. Maps Gen.-Precinct Maps General Election], 1966 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Engineering Records Room B4:

Multnomah County Map [Assessor's], 1972 (1 volume).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B12:

Railroad Drawings [includes right of way information-rolled], ca.1920-ca.1950 (ca.300 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14:

FEMA Flood Maps [Flood Insurance Rate Maps], 1982 (.25 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Map Cabinet Near Room B15:

Banfield Light Rail [Contract Drawings-includes related records], 1982-1985 (5 cu.ft.);

Banfield LRT Improvements [Light Rail Transit Contract Drawings-includes related records], 1994-1995 (4 cu.ft.);

Westside Light Rail [Contract Records-includes plans], 1993 (.75 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Vault Room B16:

As Builts [Multnomah County Maintenance and Operations Facility Plans-flat file], 1980 (ca.100 drawings);

COP BDY [City of Portland Boundary Maps], 1984 (ca.50 maps);

[Multnomah County Oregon-Assessors Map], n.d. (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah County Bridge Section Office, Map Room:

Multnomah County Maps [Assessor's], ca.1925 (2 volumes);

[Multnomah County Maps-Assessor's], ca.1925 (1 volume).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area:

Permanent Files [River and Canal Maps-includes Sandy River and Johnson Creek-some document water rights], 1904-1909 (.20 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

[Assessor's Map of Multnomah County], 1951 (1 volume);

Boundaries of Election Precincts [Description Record-Multnomah County], 1914 (1 volume);

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map City of Portland, 1982-1986 (14 maps); 2004 (26 maps);

FIRM Flood Insurance Rate Map Multnomah County Unincorporated Areas, 1982-1986 (40 maps);

Five Legislative Districts of Multnomah County [Map], 1960 (1 map);

Metsker's Atlas of Multnomah County, Oregon, ca. 1927 (1 volume); ca.1930 (1 volume); 1936 (1 volume); 1944 (1 volume);

Multnomah County, Oregon Historical Sites Tour Guide and Map, 1979 (1 map);

Multnomah County Representative Districts [Map], 1971 (1 map);

Pittmon Map of Multnomah Co. Oregon, 1968 (1 map); 1987 (1 map); 2003 (1 map);

School Districts of Multnomah County [Map], 1915 (1 map).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 3023 [Multnomah County Hospital Plans], 1920-1923 (68 drawings);

Mss. 3076 [Multnomah County Library Plans], 1912-1913 (36 drawings).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library:

[Pittmon Map of Portland, Ore and Vicinity-Atlas], 1946 (1 volume).

Records at the Multnomah County Website:

Assessor's M​ap​​ [includes levy code and donation land claim maps], n.d.-present;

Multnomah County Election Maps, n.d.-present;

Multnomah County Precinct Maps​ [Archived-includes districts], 2001-2011;

Records at a Related Website:

Tax Assessment GIS Maps, n.d.-present (ormap.net).

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.

Register of Livestock and Lumber Brands, 1891-1957 (1 reel of microfilm). 

County Clerk's Recorded Docs. [Documents-includes interfiled log brand records], 1903-1954 (.20 cu.ft.).

​1855-1968

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 Affidavit and Certificate Books, 1923-1967 (82 volumes);

Marriage License Index, 1903-1960 (8 reels of microfilm);

Marriage License Index and Record, 1855-1903 (3 reels of microfilm);

Marriage Licenses, 1903-1947 (49 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175:

[Licenses Outside County], 1920-1968 (2 reels of microfilm);

[Marriage License Index], 1875-1944 (6 reels of microfilm);

[Marriage License Index and Books], vol. 1-15, 1855-1903 (3 reels of microfilm);

[Marriage Licenses], vol. 16-127, 1903-1961 (76 reels of microfilm);

Marriage Records [Index], 1924-1960 (2 inches of microfiche).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

Marriage Index, 1924-1960 (2.50 inches of microfilm jackets).

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

Marriage License Index, 1903-1960 (8 reels of microfilm);

Marriage License Index and Record, 1855-1903 (3 reels of microfilm);

Marriage Licenses, vol. 16-127, 1903-1961 (76 reels of microfilm);

Marriage Records of Multnomah County Oregon [Abstracts-Genealogical Forum of Portland], 1855-1904 (ca.16 volumes).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Rare Book Area:

Marriage Affidavits and Certificates, vol. 38-56, 1915-1923 (19 volumes); vol. 60, 1924 (1 volume);

Marriage Affidavits [title varies], vol. 1-21, 1903-1915 (21 volumes);

Marriage License Index, 1875-1960 (20 volumes);

Marriage Record [title varies-with index], vol. 1-26, 1855-1910 (26 volumes);

Marriage Record, vol. 27-37, 1910-1915 (11 volumes).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library:

Marriage License Index & Bks. [Books], 1855-1960 (9 reels of microfilm);

Marriage Records of Multnomah County, Oregon [Abstracts-Genealogical Forum of Portland], 1855-1890 (5 volumes);

Multnomah County Oregon Marriage Index [Abstracts-Genealogical Forum of Oregon], 1890-1904 (3 volumes).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1275 Marriage Certificates, 1879-1913 (3.75 cu.ft.).

Records at a Related Website:

Multnomah County Marriage Records Index ​[Alphabetical Register], 1855-1904 (Genealogical Forum of Oregon).

Series documents property held by women independently and separately 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. 

Permanent Files [Women's Separate Property Records], 1895-1913 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives, Microfilm Storage: 

Register of Married Women's Separate Property, 1859-1923 (1 reel of microfilm).

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.

Register of Physicians, Midwives, and Undertakers, 1915-1919 (1 volume);

Medical Licenses, 1893-1941 (2 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Oregon State Security Copy Depository: 

Dental Certificates, 1899-1956 (1 reel of microfilm); 

Medical Licenses, 1893-1941 (2 reels of microfilm). 

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library: 

Dentists' Licenses Index, 1887-1957 (1 reel of microfilm).

1889-1972

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.

Prior to 1964 military discharges were recorded in the Miscellaneous Books. For indexes to these records see (Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings). Beginning in 1964 military discharges were recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). Discharges were indexed through the Miscellaneous Index until 1973, when it was incorporated in the index for the Book of Records.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Military Roll, 1889-1893, 1898-1899 (4 volumes).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175:

[Military Records Index], 1945-1969 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Books-includes Certificate of Discharge], 1909-1929 (9 reels of microfilm); vol. 1-354, 1929-1964 (90 reels of microfilm);

[Miscellaneous Military Index Direct], 1968-1972 (1 reel of microfilm).

Military Roll, vol. 3, 1893 (1 volume).

Records at the Genealogical Forum of Oregon, Research Library:

Military Records Index [Multnomah County], 1945-1969 (2 reels of microfilm):

WWI Draft Registration [Cards-Portland and Multnomah County], 1917-1918 (1`3 reels of microfilm).

1874-1982

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.

Beginning in 1964 mining claims were recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

[Mineral Claim Index-General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management], ca.1874-ca.1982 (3 sheets of microfiche).

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​).

1849-1972

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 1964 mortgages have been recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). Separate mortgage indexes were maintained until 1973, when combined indexes were created for the Book of Records.

Abstract of Unsatisfied Instruments of Writing [Mortgage], 1880-1892 (2 volumes).

[Index Direct Mortgage-boxed], 1850-1944 (15 reels of microfilm);

[Index Indirect Mortgage-boxed], 1850-1944 (17 reels of microfilm);

Mortgage Books, vol. A-Z, 26-210, 1854-1902 (90 reels of microfilm); vol. 1-2326, 1929-1964 (614 reels of microfilm);

Mortgage Index [Direct], 1945-1972 (17 reels of microfilm);

Mortgage Index [Indirect], 1945-1972 (17 reels of microfilm);

Mortgage Records [boxed], vol. 211-1402, 1901-1929 (122 reels of microfilm).

Guide to First Mortgage Index, 1849-1894 (1 volume);

Indirect Index to Mortgages, 1858-1880 (1 volume);

Mortgage Index Direct, 1858-1880 (1 volume).

Mss. 1275 Washington County Records Pertaining to Multnomah County [includes mortgages], 1849-1861 (1 volume).

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. 

Beginning in 1887 some Certificates of Citizenship were filed in the Miscellaneous Books. For indexes to these records see Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings. 

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area: 

Certificates of Naturalization, 1907-1921 (77 volumes).

[Miscellaneous Books-includes some Certificates of Citizenship], vol. 3-87, 1887-1929 (12 reels of microfilm); vol. 1-40, 1929-ca.1940 (10 reels of microfilm).

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. 

Index to Declaration of Intention, vol. 1, 1852-1912 (1 volume);

Naturalization Index, 1906-1920 (1 volume);

[Naturalization Index], 1906-1920 (1 reel of microfilm); 

Record of Declarations of Intention [title varies-with index], vol. 3-46, 1888-1920 (44 volumes).

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, birthplace, 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.

Circuit Court Citizenship Journal, vol. 160-161, 1903-1905 (2 volumes); vol. 167-168, 1905-1906 (2 volumes); 

Citizenship Docket [Hearing of Application for Citizenship-at back of volume], 1907-1908 (1 volume); 

Hearing of Petitions for Naturalizations Docket, 1908-1912 (1 volume); 

Index to Citizenship Journals, 1854-1906 (1 volume);

Index to Citizen [title varies], 1854-1906 (2 volumes); 

[Journal County Court Law-includes some citizenship and insanity cases], vol. 1-8, 1859-1934 (4 reels of microfilm); 

Naturalization Index, 1906-1920 (1 volume);

[Naturalization Index], 1906-1920 (1 reel of microfilm); 

Petition and Record [with index], vol. 1-22, 1906-1920 (22 volumes).

Citizenship Records [Record of Citizenship-trifolded], 1923-1929 (.40 cu.ft.).

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. 

Multnomah County Relief Committee Records, 1934-1935 (.10 cu.ft.);

Public Welfare Index, 1918-1938 (.25 cu.ft.); 

Widow's Pension Journal, 1913-1921 (1 volume). 

Admissions Register Index Edgefield Manor, 1900-1908 (1 volume);

Convalescent Hospital Admissions Register, 1955-1964 (.25 cu.ft.);

County Farm Record [Register], no. 1800-11631, 1913-1937 (2 volumes);

Discharged and Expired Residents [Edgefield Manor Register Cards], ca.1931-ca.1973 (2 cu.ft.);

Edgefield Manor Tuberculosis/Convalescent Discharge Index [Card], 1948-1964 (1 cu.ft.); 

Hospital Record [Register-includes care of poor and indigent], 1900-1912 (3 volumes); 

[Multnomah County Farm Register-documents tuberculosis patients], 1926-1942 (1 volume);

Register [County Farm], no. 11632-15584, 1937-1954 (1 volume); 

TB Hospital Admissions Register [Tuberculosis], 1926-1962 (.35 cu.ft.).

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 John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office:

Case Log Book [Registers-includes zone change, hearings officer, planning commission, and board of commissioners actions], 2001-2007 (7 binders); 2007-2010 (1 binder). 

Planning Commission Agendas Minutes Packets, 2006-present (10 binders). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Map Room:

Board of Adjustment [Records-includes minutes], 1956-1977 (6 inches of microfiche). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14: 

Agendas [Planning Commission], 1955-1964 (10 volumes);

Log Book All Hearings [Registers-includes planning commission, board of adjustment, hearings officer, and zone change actions-title varies], 1953-2000 (46 binders);

PC Agendas [Planning Commission], 1976-1979 (4 binders);

Planning Commission Minutes [title varies], 1955-1970 (1 cu.ft.); 1987-2005 (18 binders). 

Records at the Multnomah County Website: 

Planning Commission Meeting Records ​[minutes, agendas, and staff reports], 2011-present.​

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). 

Jail Register, 1882-1918 (11 volumes); 

Prisoners Receipt, 1917 (1 volume). 

Jail Docket, 1918-1972 (4 reels of microfilm).

Mss. 1275 Prisoner Record, 1896-1899 (1 volume); 

Mss. 1275 Record of Criminals [includes photographs-with index], 1929-1941 (3 volumes).

​​1850-[ongoing]

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. Records may also document actions related to guardianships. 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.

Multnomah County joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1988.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Probate Case Files, no. 1-4000, 1855-1900 (96 cu.ft.);

Probate Index, ca.1855-1939 (1 reel of microfilm);

Search for 1855-1900 Multnomah County probate case files in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 131, Circuit Court File Room:

Index to Probate Cases, 1855-1983 (10 volumes);

[Index to Probate Cases], 1856-1977 (4 reels of microfilm);

[Probate Case Files], no. 1-25781, 1855-1925 (297 reels of microfilm); no. 33000-107988, 1930-1968 (1099 reels of microfilm).

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 131, Circuit Court File Viewing Room:

Circuit Court Indexes [also indexes probate cases beginning in 1984], 1976-1997 (2 binders of microfiche).

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Room 224, Probate Records Office:

[Closed Probate Case Files], n.d.-present (75 cu.ft.);

[Open Probate Case Files-with gaps], no. 58634-12.10.91390, 1947-present (300 cu.ft.);

Small Estate Affidavits [Case Files], 2011-present (14 cu.ft.).

Records at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Basement Probate Records Room:

[Closed Probate Case Files-includes small estates cases], no. 85.04.90940-11.04.90605, 1985-2011 (2430 cu.ft.);

Small Aff. [Affidavit- Small Case Files], no. 1-3207, 1973-1983 (12 cu.ft.).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area:

Index to Probate Cases [also indexes probate journals and fee books], 1859-1934 (2 volumes);

[Index to Probate Court Cases-also indexes probate journal], 1855-1911 (1 volume);

[Probate Case File Index], ca.1943-ca.1959 (2 volumes);

Probate Index [also indexes probate journal], vol. 1, ca.1855-1904 (1 volume).

Records at the Walnut Park Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Basement Records Area:

Probate [Case Files], no. 107989-140.676, 84.01.90011-84.12.92497, 1968-1984 (802 cu.ft.);

Probate Files [Case], 25782-32999, 1925-1930 (126 cu.ft.).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1275 [County Court Docket-includes law and probate cases], 1859-1871 (1 volume);

Mss. 1275 [Probate Estate Case Papers], 1850-1873, 1896 (1 cu.ft.).

​​1852-1970

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. Records may also document actions related to guardianships. 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:

Probate Estate Record [William Beck Inventory], 1889 (1 volume).

Estates Trust Ledger [with index], 1918-1970 (1 volume).

Index Probated Intestate Estates Multnomah Co. Oregon [Abstracts-Daughters of the American Revolution], 1856-1901 (1 volume);

Oregon Estates Index Multnomah County [Abstracts-Daughters of the American Revolution], 1854-1884 (1 volume);

Oregon Estates Multnomah County Supplement [Abstracts-Daughters of the American Revolution], 1852-1874 (1 volume);

Probated Intestate Estates Multnomah Co. Oregon [Abstracts-Daughters of the American Revolution], vol. 1-10, 1856-1901 (10 volumes).

1852-1986

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. Records may also document actions related to guardianships. 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. Contact the trial court administrator for access to OJIN. Portions of these records may be restricted.

Multnomah County joined the Oregon Judicial Information Network (OJIN) in 1988.

County Court Journal Probate, 1859-1866 (1 volume).

Citizenship Docket [serves as Probate Docket], 1901 (1 volume);

Probate Fee Register, vol. 163-180, 1957-1978 (18 volumes); vol. 184, 1962-1969 (1 volume); vol. 187, 1962-1976 (1 volume); vol. 193, 1964-1975 (1 volume);

Probate Journal, vol. 1-1504, 1859-1986 (770 reels of microfilm);

[Probate Register-includes insane commitment cases], ca.1917-1944 (1 volume).

Records at the Towne Storage Building, Multnomah County Circuit Court Records Area:

Index to Probate Cases [also indexes probate journals and fee books], 1859-1934 (2 volumes);

[Index to Probate Court Cases-also indexes probate journal], 1855-1911 (1 volume);

Probate Fee Register [title varies], vol. 1-162, 1859-1957 (162 volumes); vol. 181-183, 1961-1969 (3 volumes); vol. 185-186, 1962-1984 (2 volumes); vol. 188-192, 1963-1985 (5 volumes); vol. 194-283, 1964-1983 (90 volumes);

Probate Index [also indexes probate journal], vol. 1, ca.1855-1904 (1 volume);

Probate [Journal], vol. 2, 1866-1872 (1 volume).

Oregon Guardianships Multnomah County [Abstracts], vol. 1-5, 1852-1901 (5 volumes).

1855-[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.

[Bridge Plan Numerical Register], ca.1890-ca.1990 (1 volume);

Burnside Bridge Over the Willamette River at Portland, Ore. [Bridge Plans, Contracts, and Specifications], 1924 (1 volume);

[Miscellaneous Bridge Plans-includes Sellwood, Hawthorne, Morrison, Burnside, Broadway, Non-Willamette, and Miscellaneous Bridges-rolled and flat-indexed on computer], ca.1890-present (ca.8000 drawings).

Multnomah County Road Index [indexes maps and field books-numerical by road number], ca.1855-ca.1990 (1 binder);

Record of Roads [includes surveyor and road viewers' reports, survey notes, orders, petitions, and related documents], no. 344-1899, vol. 2-5, 1883-1952 (4 volumes);

Road Record [includes surveyor and road viewers' reports, survey notes, orders, petitions, and related documents], vol. 1, 1855-1883 (1 volume);

Road Records [documents petitions, reports, resolutions, vacations, and related actions-title varies], no. 61-527, 1869-1871 (1 volume); no. 528-692, 1891-1913 (1 volume); no. 700-968, 1902-1920 (1 volume); no. 969-1238, 1920-1930 (1 volume); no. 1239-4822, vol. 4-9, 1930-1972 (6 volumes).

[Road and Bridge Agreements], ca.1897-present (22 cu.ft.);

[Road and Bridge Contracts], ca.1995-present (23 cu.ft.);

[Road Proceedings Files-includes deeds, orders, resolutions, and related records], 1855-present (86 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B2:

[Road Construction Contract Rolodex Index], ca.1915-ca.1987 (.15 cu.ft.);

[Road Construction Contracts], ca.1915-ca.2002 (ca.120 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B3:

[Bridge Contracts], ca.1895-1998 (40 cu.ft.);

[Bridge Records-includes board orders, deeds, ordinances, and rights-of-way for Willamette River bridges and ramps], ca.1895-present (60 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B4:

[Road Construction Specifications and Contracts], 1914-1929 (3 cu.ft.).

Kardex [Road Index-indexes road maps, field books, petitions, projects, and related information], ca.1866-ca.1995 (12 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Microfilm Cabinet Near Room B15:

[Road Proceedings-includes petitions and vacations], no. A3-A223, 10-4698, 1876-1980 (35 reels of microfilm);

[Roads and Vacations Records-includes actions related to the county vacating roads to cities], 1924-1952 (24 reels of microfilm).

Field Book Contents [indexes P Books-Preliminary Road and Bridge Construction Field Books], ca.1919-ca.1987 (2 binders);

[Miscellaneous Flat File Road Related Maps and Plans-F Series-includes road, bridge, sewer, and railroad information], ca.1939-ca.1985 (ca.600 maps and drawings);

Misc. [Miscellaneous Road and Bridge Field Books-includes field notes, bridge inspection notes, indexes, and logs], ca.1904-ca.1958 (51 volumes);

[Multnomah County Roads-Alphabetical List], 1960-1962 (1 binder);

P Book Index [to Preliminary Road and Bridge Construction Field Books], ca.1919-ca.1987 (1 volume);

P Books [Preliminary Road and Bridge Construction Field Books-includes survey and engineering information], vol. 1-1237, ca.1919-ca.1987 (1237 volumes).

Multnomah County Index for Roads, 1951-1976 (1 volume).

Bridge Journals [Proceedings Record], 1913-1959 (9 volumes);

Columbia River Interstate Bridge Commission [Minutes of joint Multnomah County and Clark County, Washington Commission-with index], vol. 1-3, 1913-1937 (3 volumes);

County Clerk's Recorded Docs. [Documents-includes miscellaneous road and bridge records such as petitions, applications, easements, deeds, agreements, and survey notes], 1863-1960 (5.30 cu.ft.);

[County Road Construction Maps and Plans-includes bridge plans], ca.1915-ca.1970 (ca.400 maps and plans);

[Road Action Register Cards-arranged numerically by road number], no. 3487-4604, ca.1926-ca.1974 (1.50 cu.ft.);

Surrender Jurisdiction Roads [Vacation Register], 1957-1973 (1 volume).

Alphabetical Index of Numbered Roads [Card], n.d.-ca.1978 (1 cu.ft.);

Bridge Files Blueprints & Maps, 1913-1965 (1 reel of microfilm);

Bridge Files [Case Files], 1913-1978 (9 reels of microfilm);

Road Files [includes petitions, vacations, and other actions-with index], vol. 1-30, 1913-1991 (19 reels of microfilm).

Road Orders, 1937-1987 (3 reels of microfilm);

[Road Proceedings-includes petitions and vacations], 1876-1980 (35 reels of microfilm).

Burnside Bridge [Technical Drawings-blueprints], 1924 (37 drawings);

County Road Map of Multnomah County Oregon, ca.1917 (1 map);

General Highway Map of Multnomah County, Oregon, 1953 (1 volume); 1965 (1 volume).

Former County Road Files [includes road deeds, plans, specifications, reports, and contracts], 1900-2002 (76 cu.ft.).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 1772 Hawthorne Bridge [Records-includes daily drawbridge reports, accident reports, and monthly operation reports], 1918-1974 (7 cu.ft.);

Mss. 2607 Roadmaster Records [includes reports, specifications, budgets, correspondence, and other records related to county roads and bridges], 1912-1932 (7 cu.ft.).

1855-[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.

[Road Engineering Drawings], ca.1900-ca.1997 (ca.750 drawings).

County Roads [Maps and Plans], ca.1866-n.d. (12 feet of aperture cards);

Multnomah County Road Index [indexes maps and field books-numerical by road number], ca.1855-ca.1990 (1 binder);

Notes Road # 1 to 1035 [Field Notes-with index], 1855-1929 (1 volume);

Record of Roads [includes surveyor and road viewers' reports, survey notes, orders, petitions, and related documents], no. 344-1899, vol. 2-5, 1883-1952 (4 volumes);

Road Journal [includes establishment field notes], vol. 6-8, 1951-1966 (3 volumes);

Road Record [includes surveyor and road viewers' reports, survey notes, orders, petitions, and related documents], vol. 1, 1855-1883 (1 volume).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B4:

[Road Construction Specifications and Contracts], 1914-1929 (3 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B12:

County Road Maps & Misc. [Miscellaneous-rolled], ca.1930-ca.1991 (ca.150 maps);

State Highway Maps [Strip Maps-rolled], ca.1925-ca.1950 (ca.200 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Area Near Room B14:

Kardex [Road Index-indexes road maps, field books, petitions, projects, and related information], ca.1866-ca.1995 (12 cu.ft.);

Legal County Roads [Card Index-indexes maps and field notes], ca.1866-ca.1972 (.50 cu.ft.);

Road Field Book Index, ca.1889-ca.1972 (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Microfilm Cabinet Near Room B15:

[Surveyor's Journals-Roads], vol. 1-6, 1855-ca.1955 (2 reels of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Map Cabinet Near Room B15:

Road No. [Road Maps], ca.1884-ca.1940 (ca.400 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Vault Room B16:

A1L1 [Road Survey Field Books-A and L Series-Alignment and Level], vol. A1-A17, L1-L15.2, 1949-1953 (38 volumes);

[Alphabetical Road Construction Field Books], ca.1958-ca.1996 (ca.2000 volumes);

[County Road Maps-rolled], ca.1866-ca.1980 (ca.2000 maps);

Field Book Contents [indexes P Books-Preliminary Road and Bridge Construction Field Books], ca.1919-ca.1987 (2 binders);

Map File Index Book [indexes county road maps in vault room], ca.1866-ca.1980 (1 binder);

[Miscellaneous Flat File Road Related Maps and Plans-F Series-includes road, bridge, sewer, and railroad information], ca.1939-ca.1985 (ca.600 maps and drawings);

Misc. [Miscellaneous Road and Bridge Field Books-includes field notes, bridge inspection notes, indexes, and logs], ca.1904-ca.1958 (51 volumes);

P Book Index [to Preliminary Road and Bridge Construction Field Books], ca.1919-ca.1987 (1 volume);

P Books [Preliminary Road and Bridge Construction Field Books-includes survey and engineering information], vol. 1-1237, ca.1919-ca.1987 (1237 volumes);

[Road Survey and Engineering Field Books-arranged by street number], no. 8-262, ca.1956-ca.1990 (9 cu.ft.);

[Road Survey and Engineering Field Books-arranged numerically], no. 1-1205, ca.1904-ca.1982 (1205 volumes).

County Clerk's Recorded Docs. [Documents-includes miscellaneous road and bridge records such as petitions, applications, easements, deeds, agreements, and survey notes], 1863-1960 (5.30 cu.ft.);

[County Road Construction Maps and Plans-includes bridge plans], ca.1915-ca.1970 (ca.400 maps and plans).

Records at the City of Portland Archives & Records Center:

Former County Road Files [includes road deeds, plans, specifications, reports, and contracts], 1900-2002 (77 cu.ft.).

1858-1966

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.

Contact the Portland Public Schools, Records Management Department for information about accessing historic school and student records.

Annual Report of School District Number 1 Multnomah County Oregon, 1911-1966 (ca.34 volumes);

Annual Report of the Public Schools of the City of Portland, 1892-1911 (4 volumes);

Report of the Survey of the Public School System of School District No. 1, Multnomah County, Oregon, 1913 (1 volume).

Mss. 1504 Public School Systems [District Clerk's Book of Records-District No. 23 Jt.-Multnomah and Washington Counties], 1890-1891 (1 volume); 1899-1900 (1 volume);

Mss. 1504 Public School Systems [District Clerk's Book of Records-District No. 30], 1889-1898, 1901-1910 (6 volumes);

Mss. 1504 Public School Systems [Gill's School Register-Attendance Reports for Portland Public Schools], 1898, 1901, 1914-1931 (14 volumes);

Mss. 1504 Public School Systems [Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 23 Jt.-Multnomah and Washington Counties], 1891-1892 (1 volume);

Mss. 1504 Public School Systems [Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 30], 1888-1900 (5 volumes);

Mss. 1788 Multnomah County School District No. 1 Records [Board of Directors Minutes], 1932-1942 (11 volumes);

Mss. 1788 Multnomah County School District No. 1 Records [Budget], 1941-1942 (2 volumes);

Mss. 1788 Multnomah County School District No. 1 Records [Educational Department Annual Report], 1939-1940 (2 volumes);

Mss. 1788 Multnomah County School District No. 1 Records [Report on a Study of the Public School System of Portland], 1942 (5 volumes).

School District Records [District No. 1], 1858-1859 (.10 cu.ft.).

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. 

Contact the Portland Public Schools, Records Management Department​ for information about accessing historic school and student records. 

Report of County School Superintendent, 1876 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Mss. 9 Eliot, Thomas Papers [includes school superintendent school inspection register], 1874 (1 volume).

​1850-[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.

The Survey and Assessor Image Locator ​(SAIL) GIS mapping application includes assessor maps, aerial photographs, survey records, subdivisions, condominiums, partitions, and government corner surveys. The information dates from circa 1851 to the present.

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office:

[Map Visual Index to Surveys, Bearing Trees, Subdivisions, Partitions, and Field Books], 1852-present (ca.900 maps);

Reception Index of Filed Plats of Surveys [title varies], no. 700-60622, 1946-2006 (12 volumes);

[Recorded Surveys], no. 700-63295, 1946-present (50 feet of aperture cards);

Surveys [Filed Plats], no. 57100-63407, 2000-present (6308 plats).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 123, Surveyor's Office, Corner Survey Records Area:

Powers Indexes [indexes Powers field books], 1895-1935 (1 binder);

Records of Permanent Surveys [with index], vol. 4, 1901-1956 (1 volume);

Survey Book [includes field notes and plats-title varies-with index], vol. 1-3, 1857-1942 (3 volumes);

[Surveyor's Field Books-includes Powers, Bonser, Loring, Porter, Elliot and Scroggin, Nelson, Hurlburt, Taylor, Stoehr, and miscellaneous], ca.1873-ca.1966 (ca.18 cu.ft.);

U.S. Field Notes of Lands in Multnomah County [with index], 1851-1873 (1 volume);

WPA Misc. Plats [Work Projects Administration-Survey], n.d. (1 binder);

WPA [Work Projects Administration Field Books], vol. 1-90, 95, 100, 1933-1940 (92 volumes);

WPA [Work Projects Administration Survey Plats], ca.1933-ca.1940 (4 volumes).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Microfilm Cabinet Near Room B15:

[Claim Notes Field Notes of the Survey of the Donation Land Claims-with index], ca.1854-ca.1858 (1 reel of microfilm);

Microfilmed Surveys [Filed Plats], no. 701-50674, 1946-ca.1990 (4 feet of microfilm jackets);

Microfilm [Surveyor's Field Books-includes Hurlburt and Bonser-with index], n.d. (7 reels of microfilm);

[Surveyor's Records], vol. 1-3, 1857-1942 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Township Plats Section Notes-General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Survey Records], ca.1853-n.d. (1.50 inches of microfiche);

[U.S. Field Notes of Lands in Multnomah County-with index], 1851-1873 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Surveyor's Archives Room B17:

[General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Survey Field Notes-photocopies], 1851-ca.1990 (21 binders);

[Recorded Surveys], no. 700-ca.57099, 1946-2003 (ca.125 cu.ft.).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives:

Maps of Surveys [Filed County], no. 41651-43497, n.d. (3 inches of microfilm jackets).

Records at the Multnomah Building, Suite 175, Cartography Area:

D.L.C.s & Legal Subdivisions [Donation Land Claims-Record], 1852-ca.1906 (1 volume);

General Land Office Plats of Original Surveys, 1850-1921 (1 volume);

Surveyor's Journals, vol. 1-6, n.d. (2 reels of microfilm);

Surveyor's Records-includes corner restorations [with index], vol. 1-3, 1857-1942 (1 reel of microfilm);

U.S. Field Notes of Lands in Multnomah County [with index], 1851-1873 (1 reel of microfilm);

U.S. General Land Office Plats of Original Surveys, 1851-1917 (1 volume).

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​).

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 Cards], 1974, 1977-1978, 1983-1984, 1986, 1994, 2008 (130 reels of microfilm); 

[Tax Lot Cards-new set-includes information transferred from old set of cards], ca.1921-present (75 cu.ft.). 

A & T Tax Lot Cards [Assessment and Taxation], 1986 (34 reels of microfilm).

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. 

Before 1914 water rights were recorded in the Deed Record (Deeds and Indexes). Beginning in 1964 water rights were recorded in the Book of Records (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). A separate water rights index was maintained until 1974, when it was incorporated in the Book of Records index. 

Index to Tualatin River Water Rights, 1959 (1 volume).

Water Rights [Record], vol. 1-2, 1914-1964 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Permanent Files [River and Canal Maps-includes Sandy River and Johnson Creek-some document water rights], 1904-1909 (.20 cu.ft.).

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. 

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office:

Case Log Book [Registers-includes zone change, hearings officer, planning commission, and board of commissioners actions], 2001-2007 (7 binders); 2007-2010 (1 binder). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office Counter Area:

[Zone Maps-Historic], 1994 (ca.200 maps);

[Zoning Related Maps-includes soils, parcels, base zone, recreation intensity], 1995 (ca.200 maps).

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Map Room: 

ZC [Zone Change Records], 1955-1976 (3 inches of microfiche); 

[Zoning Maps-Historic], 1962 (10 volumes); 1977 (12 volumes); 1980 (3 volumes); 1993 (1 volume). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Annex Building, Suite 116, Land Use Planning Office, Library Area: 

Historic Zoning and Subdivision Codes, 1953-2003 (.75 cu.ft.);

Map Updates [Zoning], 1984-1991 (8 binders); 

Multnomah County Zoning Ordinance, 1978-1995 (5 binders);

Ordinance 100 [Zoning], ca.1972-ca.1978 (1 binder); 

Zoning Ord. [Ordinance-includes interim], 1953-1955 (1 binder).

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Room B14: 

[Historic Zoning and Subdivision Codes-one sided copies], ca.1953-ca.2003 (2 cu.ft.);

Log Book All Hearings [Registers-includes planning commission, board of adjustment, hearings officer, and zone change actions-title varies], 1953-2000 (46 volumes). 

Records at the John B. Yeon Building, Multnomah County Archives: 

Planning Commission [Records-documents land use actions such as zone changes, boundary adjustments, and conditional uses], 1953-1977 (6 feet of microfilm jackets); 

Supplement to Journal [Commissioners-includes zoning and other ordinances-title varies], 1941-1978 (73 volumes); Zoning Ordinance #100 [Multnomah County], 1962 (1 volume);

Zoning Slides [Photographic-documents zone changes], 1951-1993 (17 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Multnomah County Central Library:

Multnomah County Zoning Ordinance, 1955 (1 volume); 1990 (1 volume); 1995 (1 volume). 

Records at the City of Portland Archives & Records Center: 

Land Use Review Records [documents actions related to land divisions, zone changes, conditional uses, and other subjects on former county land annexed by the City of Portland], 1965-1994 (20 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Multnomah County Website:​

Historical Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances [use menu], 1953-2003;

Interactive Zoning Map, n.d.