1865-2013

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

The Wasco County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2015. Adoption records created since 2014 are maintained electronically.

Adoption Journal Index and Fee Book [with index], vol. 1-2, 1939-1954 (2 volumes);

Adoption Record, vol. 3-4, 1951-1960 (2 volumes);

Adoptions [Miscellaneous Case Files-trifolded], 1882-1912 (.30 cu.ft.).​

Adoption Index, 1939-1989 (1 volume);

Adoption Reports [Register], 1979-1989 (1 volume).

[Adoption Case Files], 1979-2003 (7 cu.ft.).

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

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

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Second Floor Public Works Aerial Photograph Storage Room: 

[Aerial Photographs], 1939 (5 photographs); 1947 (29 photographs); 1949 (40 photographs); 1957 (4 photographs); 1958 (4 photographs); 1967 (ca.200 photographs); 1971 (23 photographs); 1972 (ca.150 photographs); 

[Aerial Photographs-Color], 1987 (7 photographs); 1988 (175 photographs); 

Aerial Photographs-from Natural Resources Conservation Service], 1972 (ca.500 photographs); 1990 (ca.500 photographs). 

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Road Engineer/County Surveyor's Office: 

[Aerial Photographs-with index], 1985 (ca.300 photographs); 

Aerial Photo Prints, 1970 (ca.15 photoprints); n.d. (ca.200 photoprints). 

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Shop, Second Floor Exercise Room: 

[Aerial Photographs], 1965 (ca.250 photographs).

Records at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, Stacks:

[Aerial Photograph-from county assessor's office], 1939, 1949, 1954, 1965, 1972 (ca.300 photographs).

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

Register of Scalp Bounty Claims, vol. 1, 1900-1901 (1 volume).

1858-[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 Roll, 1872 (1 volume); 1892-1900 (9 volumes);

Assessments [County Court], ca.1860, 1901 (.05 cu.ft.);

Delinquent Tax Lists [with gaps], 1858-1895 (.25 cu.ft.);

[Delinquent Tax Statements], 1926-1930 (3 volumes);

Equalization Board Assessment Roll Summaries, 1891-1924 (1 volume);

Poll Tax Returns [Elections-includes taxes levied on Mulattos, Negroes, Chinamen, and Kanakas], 1863-1865 (.05 cu.ft.);

Receipt Stubs [Tax], 1915 (1 volume); 1930 (2 volumes);

Tax List, 1867 (1 volume); 1869-1870 (2 volumes);

[Tax List], 1866 (1 volume); 1868 (1 volume);

Tax Receipts, 1907, 1920, 1935-1941 (1 cu.ft.);

Tax Roll, 1871-1872 (2 volumes); 1874 (1 volume); 1915 (11 volumes); 1920 (12 volumes); 1925 (13 volumes); 1930 (15 volumes);

Tax Rolls, 1861-1865 [includes delinquent lists], (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Assessment Roll, 1878 (1 volume); 1892-1893 (2 volumes); 1894 (2 volumes); 1895-1900 (6 volumes); 1901 (4 volumes); 1902 (2 volumes); 1903 (2 volumes); 1904 (2 volumes); 1905 (2 volumes); 1982-1992 (10 cu.ft.);

Assessment Roll for School District No. 12, 1890 (1 volume);

Assessment Roll of School District No. 1, 1889 (1 volume);

Assessment Roll School District No. 1, ca.1865 (1 volume);

Assessment Roll [title varies], 1860-1871 (15 volumes);

Clerk's Delinquent Assessment Roll, 1895-1899 (5 volumes);

Collector's Tax Ledger, 1914 (2 volumes);

Delinquent Assessment Roll, 1887-1890 (1 volume); 1892 (2 volumes); 1895 (1 volume); 1900 (1 volume);

Delinquent List [Tax], 1874 (1 volume);

Delinquent Poll and Military Tax List, ca.1890 (1 volume);

Delinquent Roll [Assessment], 1901-1911 (1 volume);

Delinquent Tax List, 1873 (1 volume);

Delinquent Tax Roll, 1889 (1 volume); 1893 (1 volume);

Duplicate Assessment Roll, 1896 (1 volume); 1900 (1 volume);

Real Property [Tax Roll-title varies], 1969-1988 (58 cu.ft.);

School District Assessment Rolls, 1881-1886 (.10 cu.ft.);

Sheriff's Delinquent Assessment Roll, 1895 (1 volume);

Sheriff's Tax Ledger, vol. 1, 1894-1903 (1 volume); 1913 (1 volume);​

Tax Collection Register, 1915-1941 (42 volumes);

Tax Ledger, 1890-1891 (2 volumes); 1895-1912 (17 volumes);

Tax Roll, 1902 (1 volume); 1985-1990 (14 cu.ft.);

Tax Roll By Year [Record], 1980-1985 (1 cu.ft.); 

Tax Rolls [Continuing Roll Cards-title varies], 1929-1969 (51 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Assessment and Taxation Department Office Vault:

June 30th Roll [Tax-silver film], 1988-2007 (6 inches of microfiche);

June Tax Roll, 1993-1999 (6 inches of microfiche);

Microfiche June/October Tax Rolls, 1986-1999 (1 binder of microfiche);

October Roll [Tax-silver film), 1990-2008 (3 inches of microfiche);

[Tax Roll/Tax Statements], 2010-2016 (5 inches of microfiche).

[Delinquent Assessment Roll-School District No. 63], 1886 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Old Jail, Vault Pallet Boxes:

Tax Rolls [some in bundles], 1914-1942 (60 cu.ft.); 1960 (2 cubic feet).

Assessment Roll, 1906-1909 (8 volumes); 1911-1913 (8 volumes).

Assessment and Taxation Property Detail and Tax Information​​ [Searchable Database], n.d.-present.

Tax Summary​​, 2010-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​. 

Earlier assumed business names may be found in the Miscellaneous Record (Clerk and Recorder Miscellaneous Recordings).

Assumed Business Name Record [with index], vol. 1-3, 1923-1962 (3 volumes);

Assumed Business Names [Records], 1913-1949 (.70 cu.ft.).

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. 

Certificate of Attachments [arranged alphabetically], 1904-1953 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Circuit Court [Attachment Register], 1867 (1 volume); 

Record of Attachments Real Estate, 1862-1894 (1 volume).

Certificate of Attachment Record, vol. 2-4, 1894-1942 (3 volumes);

Sheriff's Register of Actions [includes attachment and execution information], vol. 1-2, 1913-1922 (2 volumes).

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Record of Births and Deaths [Oregon Health Division], 1915-1922 (1 volume); 1915-1941 (1 volume); 1922-1927 (1 volume); 

Record of Births and Deaths [Oregon Health Division], vol. III, 1915-1931 (1 volume). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Vital Records Births Marriages Deaths [Abstracts-from local newspapers], 1865-1891 (1 volume).

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. 

Census Records [List of Persons-Federal Census], 1880 (5 volumes);

Census [State Census of Wasco County], 1875 (1 reel of microfilm).

Census Roll [State], 1875 (1 volume). 

Federal Census Transcriptions​ [Wasco County], 1860, 1870, 1900 (US GenWeb Project).

​​1848-1989

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.

Early case files are not numbered. Beginning in 1983 an alpha-numeric system was implemented based on the type of case (e.g., criminal, civil, juvenile, probate, divorce, etc.), the year, and number of cases within the year.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Circuit Court Civil Case Files, ca.1848-1910 (111 cu.ft.);

Circuit Court Criminal Case Files, ca.1851-1963 (23 cu.ft.);

Circuit Court Trial Transcripts [Ernest Haase vs Oregon Railway & Navigation Co.], 1889 (1 volume);

General Index Circuit Court Defendant [indexes judgment rolls and journals], vol. 1, 1854-1962 (1 volume);

General Index Circuit Court Plaintiff [indexes judgment rolls and journals], vol. 1, 1854-1962 (1 volume);

Hood River County Trial Transcript [Evans vs Hood River Electric Light Power and Water Company], 1908 (2 volumes);

U.S. District Court Case Files [Civil] 1854-1871 (.25 cu.ft.);

U.S. District Court Case Files [Criminal] 1853-1865 (.20 cu.ft.);

Search for 1859-1916 Wasco County divorce case files in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

[Circuit Court Civil Case Files], no. 814-6429, 1910-1943 (78 cu.ft.);

Indictments [Circuit Court], 1900-1915 (.15 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Index to Circuit Court Cases, no. 1-626, n.d. (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Jury Room 306:

Civil [Circuit Court Case Files], no. 6430-17713, 83.1-83.287, 1943-1983 (6 feet of microfiche);

Criminal Index [to Circuit Court Case Files], ca.1963-1989 (1 volume);

Dissolution [of Marriage-Circuit Court Case Files], D83.1-D83.173, 1983 (1.50 inches of microfiche);

Index to Circuit Court Cases [Case Files and Registers], vol. 1, ca.1900-1959 (1 volume); vol. 2-4, 1959-1989 (3 volumes);

Index to Circuit Court Cases [Files], vol. 1-3, 1854-1969 (3 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Basement Vault B:

[Circuit Court Civil Case Files], no. 6430-17713, 83.1-83.287, 1943-1983 (10 feet of microfilm jackets);

Criminal [Circuit Court Case Files], 1961-1983 (26 inches of microfilm jackets).

1859-1990

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.

Circuit Court Bar Docket, 1871-1877 (2 volumes);

Circuit Court Calendar Law [Docket], 1865-1873 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Docket Criminal, 1874-1885 (2 volumes);

Circuit Court Equity [Docket], 1884-1888 (2 volumes);

Circuit Court Law [Docket], 1883-1885 (1 volume); 1888 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Register, vol. 5, 1920-1925 (1 volume);

Court Docket Criminal [Circuit Court], 1865-1873 (1 volume);

Criminal Docket [Circuit Court], vol. 3, 1905-1907 (1 volume);

Equity Docket Circuit Court [unbound], 1948-1958 (.10 cu.ft.);

Equity Docket [Circuit Court], vol. 4, 1908-1914 (1 volume); vol. 5, 1914-1917 (1 volume);

Law Docket Circuit Court [unbound], 1944-1960 (.10 cu.ft.);

Law Docket [Circuit Court], vol. 3-5, 1904-1917 (3 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Bar Docket Circuit Court [includes political cartoon drawings in back], 1859-1863 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Circuit Court Criminal, Law, and Equity Dockets, 1863-1864 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Fee Book [and Register], 1871-1879 (1 volume);​

Circuit Court Registers, vol. 9-15, 1951-1974 (4 reels of microfilm);

Circuit Court Register, vol. A-C, 1-4, 1861-1920 (7 volumes); vol. 6-7, 1925-1943 (2 volumes);

Criminal Docket, 1891-1905 (1 volume);

Equity Docket, 1865-1883 (2 volumes); 1888-1908 (4 volumes);

Index for Circuit Court Books [includes judgments and executions], 1859-n.d. (1 volume);

Law Docket, 1873-1883 (2 volumes); 1888-1903 (3 volumes);

Record of Trials [includes two volume "2"s], vol. 1-3, 1895-1949 (4 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Jury Room 306:

[Circuit Court Docket Criminal], 1981-1983 (3 volumes);

Circuit Court Register [documents case no. 6430-17713, CC83.1-CC84.182], vol. 8-20, 1943-1984 (13 volumes);

[Criminal Docket-Sheets-alphabetical], ca.1950-ca.1990 (2 cu.ft.);

Index to Circuit Court Cases [Case Files and Registers], vol. 1, ca.1900-1959 (1 volume); vol. 2-4, 1959-1989 (3 volumes).

Transfer to Circuit Court Criminal [Register], 1920-1929 (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 Index, ca.1877 (1 volume);

Circuit Court Journal, vol. A, 1854-1862 (1 volume); vol. B, 1865-1871 (1 volume); vol. C-D, 1871-1881 (2 volumes); vol. E, 1881-1885 (1 volume); vol. F, 1885-1887 (1 volume); vol. G, 1887-1890 (1 volume); vol. H-I, 1890-1894 (2 volumes); vol. J-K, 1894-1898 (2 volumes); vol. L-Q, 1898-1914 (6 volumes)​; vol. R-Z, 1-26, 1915-1962 (41 volumes); 

General Index Circuit Court Defendant [indexes judgment rolls and journals], vol. 1, 1854-1962 (1 volume); 

General Index Circuit Court Plaintiff [indexes judgment rolls and journals], vol. 1, 1854-1962 (1 volume).

Circuit Court Journals, vol. A-S, 1854-1917 (10 reels of microfilm).

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.  

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.

From 1962 to 1985 the individual component records [e.g., deeds, mortgages, etc.] of the Recordings [Book of Records] were indexed separately. See the appropriate record series for descriptions of these indexes. Since 1985 the Recordings [Instruments] have been maintained and indexed on the clerk's computer network. 

Recordings [Book of Records], 1962-2015 (318 reels of microfilm).

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. 

Book [Assessor's Map Base Township and Range Survey Index Volumes-includes corner survey information], vol. 1-2, 4-5, ca.1860-present (4 volumes);

GLO Field Notes [General Land Office-includes land corner monument records and interfiled microfiche], ca.1860-present (2 cu.ft.);

Land Corner [Monument Record], no. LC1-LC1289, ca.1968-present (.75 cu.ft.); 

Replacements [Modified Assessor's Plat Atlas Survey Index Replaced Pages-includes land corner monument information], n.d. (2 volumes);

Surveys [Visual Index to Surveys and Remonumented Corners-includes donation land claim information], ca.1860-present (1 volume). 

Bearing Trees of United States Survey, Original County Surveys, 1896-1900 (1 volume);

Land Corner Monument Records, no. 1-730, 1981-1985 (.35 cu.ft.).

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Search for 1855-1908 Wasco County coroner's reports in Oregon Historical Records Index​. 

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, 1923-1960 (2 cu.ft.).

County Budgets, 1960-present (5 cu.ft.); 

County Budgets [Report of Budget Expenditures and Balances], 1928-1939 (.10 cu.ft.).

1854-[ongoing]

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

County Commissioner's Administrative Journal, 1860-1864 (1 volume); 1860-1864 (1 reel of microfilm);

Records County Commissioners Court [Journal], 1854-1859 (1 volume); 1854-1859 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

CJ [Commissioners Journal] 1980-2017 (34 cu.ft.);

Clerk's Proceedings [Commissioners'], 1962-1994 (102 reels of microfilm);

Commissioner's Docket [Administrative-includes mostly financial information], 1889 (1 volume); 1889-1969 (17 volumes);

Commissioner's Journal [includes index only], vol. I, ca.1915 (1 volume);

County Commissioner's Journals, vol. A-I, 1864-1915 (5 reels of microfilm);

County Court Docket [Commissioners Administrative], 1884-1885 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Web Site:

Archived Board Packets & Minutes​​ [County Commissioners-includes related records], 2002-present;

Commissioners Journals Scanned​, 1864-1962.

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. County commissioners' orders, ordinances, and resolutions are also included in the County Court Proceedings and related records (County Commissioners Administrative Journals). 

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Second Floor Storage Room:​

County LUDO [Land Use and Development Ordinance-includes zoning and subdivision information], 1956-present (7 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office: 

Land Use Development Ordinance [includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985-2012 (1 binder);​

Wasco County Zoning History Index [refers to ordinances] 1919-present (1 binder); 

Wasco County Zoning Ordinances, 1953-2006 (22 binders); 

Zoning History [Records-includes copies of ordinances and resolutions], 1951-2000 (22 binders). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives: 

Various Board Meeting Minutes [Land Use and Development Ordinance-includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Wasco County Toll Bridge Records [includes orders, resolutions, maps, field notes, and related records], 1948-1974 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Courthouse [Records-includes plans, specifications, resolutions, bids, and related records], 1914, ca.1958-1962 (.35 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Wasco County Web Site: 

Policies and Ordinances​ [includes comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, and miscellaneous information], ca.1988-present;

Wasco County Land Use and Development Ordinance​ [includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985-present.

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 Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office:

[Miscellaneous Comprehensive Plan and Reference Maps-includes National Scenic Area, wildlife, wetlands, and related topics-flat file], ca.1977-ca.2000 (ca.150 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Counter: 

Wasco County Comprehensive Plan, 1983-present (1 binder). 

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Second Floor Storage Room: 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Miscellaneous Maps-includes vicinity, city, partition, district, comprehensive plan, zoning, and highway-rolled], ca.1931-ca.1995 (ca.40 maps). 

Records at the Wasco County Web Site: 

Policies and Ordinances​​ [includes comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, and miscellaneous information], ca.1988-present;

Wasco County Comprehensive Plan​, 1983-present.

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.

Applications to Change Names [County Court], 1895-1900 (.05 cu.ft.); 

County Court Civil Case Files, ca.1859-ca.1903 (.75 cu.ft.); 

County Court Criminal Case Files, 1859-1912 (.25 cu.ft.);

Index County Court Judgments, Fee Book, Execution Docket, Cause Docket [also indexes probate estates], 1860 (1 volume).

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. 

County Commsnrs Journal [Commissioners-actually judicial information], vol. A, 1859-1864 (1 volume);
County Court Calendar Law [Docket], 1882-1888 (1 volume);

County Court Journal [Judicial-includes adoptions, insane commitments, and naturalizations-with index], vol. D, 1865-1908 (1 volume)​;

County Court Journal [Judicial-includes mostly adoptions-with index], vol. E, 1908-1915 (1 volume); ​

County Court Judicial Journal, 1859-1864 (1 reel of microfilm);

County Court Judgments [Record], 1864-1890 (1 volume);

County Court [Law Docket], 1866-1870 (1 volume); 

County Court Law [Docket], 1863-1879 (1 volume); 

County Court Law Docket, 1880-1882 (1 volume);

County Court Register, 1864-1894 (1 volume);

Court Cases Justice [Docket-includes some county court cases], 1858-1862 (1 volume). 

County Court Fee Book [and Register], 1865-1894 (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. 

[Fair Board Minutes-Wasco County], 1949-1981 (1 volume); 1981-1988 (1 volume); 2011 (.05 cu.ft.); 2013-2014 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Fair Board Minutes [Wasco County-title varies], 1993-1994 (3 binders); 2000-present (.20 cu.ft.); 

Wasco County Fair Board Minute Book, 1989-1992 (1 binder);

Wasco County Fair Board Minutes, 1995 (.05 cu.ft.); 1997-2008 (1 binder).

Premium List/Book, 1948 (1 volume); 1951 (1 volume); 1972 (1 volume); 1974-1985 (12 volumes); 1987-1988 (2 volumes); 1991 (1 volume); 1993 (1 volume); 1996-1997 (2 volumes); 1999-2003 (5 volumes); 2005-2008 (4 volumes); 2017 (1 volume).

[Wasco County Fair Board Minutes], 2012-present (1 binder).

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

[Treasurers' Reports], 1864, 1871-1873 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

County Indust. Farm [Industrial Farm and Hospital Reports and Attachments], 1930-1972 (.85 cu.ft.); 

[Miscellaneous County Reports-includes report of conveyances and report of estates], 1957-1962 (.15 cu.ft.); 

[Reports of County Officials-trifolded], 1859-1898 (.15 cu.ft.);

Semi-Annual Reports [includes clerk, estate, game, and financial reports], 1938-1957 (.35 cu.ft.);

[Treasurer's Report], 1942-1961 (.30 cu.ft.).

Wasco Co. Clerk Treas. [Clerk and Treasurer Semi-Annual Reports and Statements-includes one page of non-resident pauper information], 1892-1894 (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 Oregon State Archives:

Record of Births and Deaths [Oregon Health Division], 1915-1922 (1 volume); 1915-1941 (1 volume); 1922-1927 (1 volume); 

Record of Births and Deaths [Oregon Health Division], vol. III, 1915-1931 (1 volume); 

Record of Deaths [Oregon Health Division], vol. I, 1907-1915 (1 volume); vol. II, 1907-1915 (1 volume). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Vital Records Births Marriages Deaths [Abstracts-from local newspapers], 1865-1891 (1 volume).

1854-1997

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 1962 deeds have been entered and maintained on the clerk's recordings computer network as part of the Recordings [Book of Records] (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Deed Index Direct, vol. 1, 1856-1897 (1 volume);

Deed Index Reverse, vol. 1, 1856-1897 (1 volume);

Deed Record [title varies], vol. A1-A2, B1-B2, C-Z, 27-146, 1858-1962 (149 volumes);

Deeds and Mortgages [Receiving Record], vol. 1, 1895-1896 (1 volume);

Deeds [Record-copies], vol. 147-153, 1962-1963 (5 binders);

Deeds [Record-includes donation land claims], 1860-1912 (2.50 cu.ft.);

Diazo Film County Deeds, vol. 61-135, 1916-1957 (38 reels of microfilm);

Direct Index to Deeds, vol. 2-3, 1897-1913 (2 volumes);

Index to Deeds Direct, 1913-1985 (11 volumes);

Index to Deeds Indirect, 1913-1985 (11 volumes);

Index to Deeds [to Deed Record volume A], 1856-1859 (1 volume);

Index to Deeds [to Deed Record volume B], 1858-1862 (1 volume);

Index to Deeds [to Deed Record volume E], 1874-1877 (1 volume);

Indirect Index to Deeds, vol. 2-3, 1897-1913 (2 volumes);

Wasco County Deeds [includes foreclosed property], 1860-1997 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Mortgage & Deed Books [Deeds], vol. A1-A2, B1-B2, C-Z, 27-150, 1858-1962 (61 reels of microfilm).

Deed Books, vol. A-Z, 27-60, 1854-1916 (30 reels of microfilm).

Deed Index​ [Direct and Indirect-includes document images], 1856-1962;

Deed Record​ [includes document images], vol. A-Z, 27-98, 1856-1944.

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Delayed Birth Certificate Index, 1944-1962 (1 volume);

Delayed Births [Petitions and Decrees-includes births from 1859-1942], 1943-1963 (4 cu.ft.); 

Search for 1859-1910 Wasco County delayed births in Oregon Historical Records Index.

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.

Election Poll Book Pages [Territorial Record No. 2196], 1857 (.05 cu.ft.);

Election Voter Registers, 1900, 1914 (1 reel of microfilm);

Election Voter Registration Cards, 1914-1944 (1.50 cu.ft.).

Electors [Ward Record], 1913 (3 volumes); 

General Register, 1912 (1 volume); 

Official Register of Electors, 1900, 1908, 1914 (3 volumes);

Voters [Register], 1914 (1 volume).

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. 

Election Voting Abstract [Territorial Government Record No. 2196], 1857 (.05 cu.ft.);

Prohibition Election Returns, 1906-1908 (.05 cu.ft.).

Election Abstracts, 1942-1960 (2.10 cu.ft.).

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

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Farm Name [Registrations], 1911-1927 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives: 

Farm Register [Name], vol. 1, 1911-1931 (1 volume).

1853-[ongoing]

Series records ownership of county lands obtained from the federal government. Series includes records of land grants administered under federal programs such as donation land claims and homesteads. Donation land claims are the most common type of federal land grant in Oregon that is documented in this inventory project. Donation land claims resulted from an act of the 1850 Congress under which citizens of the United States, or those who filed a declaration of intention prior to December 1, 1850 and had resided upon or cultivated the land for four consecutive years, were granted a specified amount of acreage in the Oregon Territory. Donation land claims were unique in that acreage granted to married couples was divided evenly. Half of the acreage was placed in the husband's name while the other half was placed in the wife's name. Records include plats, indexes, and survey notes. Information includes township, range, and section numbers, names of donation land claim holders and claim numbers, claim dates, acreage, and descriptions of surveys.

Under the Homestead Act of 1862, settlers were given 160 acres of land in the public domain if they built a home on the land, resided there for five years, and cultivated the land. A complete homestead entry file includes such documents as the homestead application, homestead proof, and final certificate authorizing the claimant to obtain a land patent.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Homestead Certificate [William Van Pelt], 1902 (.05 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Deeds [Record-includes donation land claims], 1860-1912 (2.50 cu.ft.);

Journal Patents DLCs Etc. Historic [Abstracts and Court Information-includes donation land claims], vol. 1, ca.1853-ca.1885 (1 volume);

Old Land Records Related to Disputes [includes land grant and survey documents], 1855-1891 (.10 cu.ft.);

Patent Cash Entry [Deed Record], vol. 51, 1910-1914 (1 volume);

Patents [Deed Record], vol. 29, 1901-1908; vol. 46, 1908-1913 (1 volume);

[Patents-Deed Record], vol. 30, 1902-1910 (1 volume);

Receivers Receipts [Record-Homestead Patent], vol. 1, 1890-1909 (1 volume);

Record of Patents [Deed Record-divided into two volumes], vol. M, 1886-1901 (2 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Road Engineer/County Surveyor's Office:

Surveys [Visual Index to Surveys and Remonumented Corners-includes donation land claim information], ca.1860-present (1 volume).

Records at a Related Web Site:

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

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. 

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

The Wasco County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2015. Mental commitment records created since 2015 are maintained electronically. Earlier records dating back to 2005 are also maintained electronically. 

Commitment of Insanity, 1894-1911 (.55 cu.ft.);

County Court Journal [Judicial-includes adoptions, insane commitments, and naturalizations-with index], vol. D, 1865-1908 (1 volume)​;

[Eastern Oregon State Hospital Discharge and Death Notices], 1939-1949 (.20 cu.ft.);

Insanity Commitments [Records], 1864-1893 (.35 cu.ft.); 1912-1943, 1949 (1 cu.ft.);​​

Insanity Hearing Records, 1862-1872, 1891-1908 (.10 cu.ft.);

Insanity Record [title varies], vol. 1-3, 1895-1938 (3 volumes);
Mental Files [Commitment Case Files], 1918-1947 (1 cu.ft.). 

Mental Files [Commitment Case Files-title varies], 1938-2004 (14 cu.ft.); 

Mental Hearings [Record-with index], vol. 5, 1964-1988 (1 volume);

Record of Feeble Minded [with index], 1918-1972 (1 volume). 

Insanity Record [title varies], vol. 4, 1938-1964 (1 volume).

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. 

County Court Execution Docket, 1859-1883 (1 volume); 

Execution Docket [Circuit Court-with index], 1894-1913 (1 volume); 

Execution Docket [Sheriff], vol. 1, 1894-1895 (1 volume); 

Execution Docket [Sheriff-with index], vol. 1, 1908-1919 (1 volume); 

Index County Court Judgments, Fee Book, Execution Docket, Cause Docket [also indexes probate estates], 1860 (1 volume); 

Index to Execution Docket County Court, 1859-1883 (1 volume); 

Judgment Docket Circuit Court, vol. D, 1909-1934 (1 volume); 

Judgment Lien Docket [Circuit Court], vol. C, 1893-1910 (1 volume); 

Judgment Lien Docket Circuit Court [with index], 1859-1893 (2 volumes). 

Index for Circuit Court Books [includes judgments and executions], 1859-n.d. (1 volume);

Sheriff's Register of Actions [includes attachment and execution information], vol. 1-2, 1913-1922 (2 volumes).​

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

Justice Court Civil Case Files, 1855-1911 (2 cu.ft.); 

Justice Court Criminal Case Files, 1862-1916 (7 cu.ft.); 

Recorder's Court Case Files [Civil and Criminal], ca.1897-ca.1905, 1912 (.75 cu.ft.). 

Justice's Court [Case Files-The Dalles, Wapinitia, Maupin, Dufur-mostly The Dalles], 1914-1940 (.60 cu.ft.). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives: 

Justice Court Civil Cases [Files-The Dalles District-includes attachments, complaints, summons, affidavits, and related documents-title varies], 1904-1937 (2 cu.ft.);

Justice Court Criminal Cases [Files-The Dalles District], 1936-1938 (.25 cu.ft.).

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Court Cases Justice [Docket-includes some county court cases], 1858-1862 (1 volume); 

Criminal Justice Court Record [The Dalles Precinct], 1902-1903 (1 volume);

Justice Court Civil Record [The Dalles Precinct], 1902-1903 (1 volume); 

Justice Court Kingsley Pct Civil & Criminal [Precinct-Docket], 1882-1891 (1 volume); 

Justice of the Peace Docket [The Dalles Civil District], 1904-1905 (1 volume). 

Justice Court Civil Cases [Docket Sheets-The Dalles District], 1938-1940 (.40 cu.ft.);
Justice Court Criminal Cases [Docket Sheets-The Dalles District], 1927-1936 (.25 cu.ft.); 1938-1940 (.25 cu.ft.); 

Justice Court Criminal Cases [Docket-The Dalles Precinct], 1927-1936 (1 volume); 1938-1940 (1 volume).

Mss. 2390B Justice Docket [Wapinitia Precinct-with index], 1911-1938 (1 volume).

​1862-[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.

Land subdivision plats dating from ca.1861 to ca.1904 are included in the Deed Record (Deeds and Indexes).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Miscellaneous Maps-includes vicinity, city, partition, district, comprehensive plan, zoning, and highway-rolled], ca.1931-ca.1995 (ca.40 maps);

Partition Plats, 1985-1990 (1 volume);

[Subdivision and Partition Plats], ca.1905-present (ca.1200 plats).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Office:

Index to Town Plats and Power of Attorney, n.d. (1 volume);

Minor Partitions [Plats], 1974-1984 (2 reels of microfilm);

Plat Book [Index-includes subdivision and partition references], ca.1862-present (1 binder).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

City Plats [Subdivision], vol. 3, 1921 (1 volume);

Maupin [City Plat Atlas], n.d. (1 volume);

Minor Partition Plats, 1974-1984 (2 reels of microfilm);

Subdivision Plats [rolled mylar], 1908-1912 (1.25 cu.ft.);

Various Board Meeting Minutes [Land Use and Development Ordinance-includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985 (.10 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office:

Land Use Development Ordinance [includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985-2012 (1 binder);

MAP [Major Partition Case Files], 1986-1991 (.50 cu.ft.);

MIP [Minor Partition Case Files], 1974-1991 (6.50 cu.ft.);

Par [Partition Case Files], 1992-present (14 cu.ft.);

Subdivisions [Case Files-includes some copies of older plats-alphabetical], ca.1973-present (5 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Second Floor Storage Room:

County LUDO [Land Use and Development Ordinance-includes zoning and subdivision information], 1956-present (7 cu.ft.);

Old Subdivision Ordinances [includes amendments], ca.1957-ca.1982 (1 cu.ft.);

Rajneesh [Land Use Records], 1978-1994 (8 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Road Engineer/County Surveyor's Office:

File Cabinet Subdivisions [Subdivision Plats and Related Records], ca.1940-ca.2000 (2.50 cu.ft.);

Plats [Subdivision-copies], ca.1895-ca.2007 (ca.279 plats).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Second Floor Aerial Photograph Storage Room:

City Plats [includes land ownership information], vol. 1, n.d. (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Web Site:

Policies and Ordinances​​ [includes comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, and miscellaneous information], ca.1988-present;

Subdivisions and Plats Scanned​ [includes partition plats], 1861-present;

Wasco County Land Use and Development Ordinance ​[includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985-present.​

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

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Register Land Titles [trifolded], 1909-1967 (.35 cu.ft.). 

Antelope [Plat Book], 1903-1905 (3 volumes); 1907 (1 volume); 

Boyd Dufur [Plat Book], 1905 (1 volume); 

Kingsley [Plat Book], 1904 (1 volume); 1909 (1 volume); 

Land Book Present Owners, 1876-1912 (2 volumes); 

Land Reception Record, vol. 1, 1908-1936 (1 volume); 

Land Register Index, vol. 1, n.d. (1 volume); 

Land Registration Docket, vol. 1, 1907-1914 (1 volume); 

Lot Book Present Owners, 1865-1912 (2 volumes); 

Mosier [Plat Book], 1902-1903 (2 volumes); 1905 (1 volume); 

Ownership Plats, 1911 (2 volumes); 1923 (8 volumes); 

Plat Book Present Owners, ca.1900 (1 volume); 

Register of Titles, vol. 1, 1907-1936 (1 volume); 

Tract Index of Registered Lands [includes only a few entries], ca.1907-ca.1936 (1 volume); 

Tygh [Valley-Plat Book], 1902 (1 volume); 1905-1906 (2 volumes); 1908 (1 volume); 

Tygh Valley [Plat Book], 1909 (1 volume); 

Wheeler County [Area Ownership Plat Book], n.d. (1 volume). 

Township Plats, ca.1900-ca.1920 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Second Floor Public Works Aerial Photograph Storage Room: 

Miscellaneous Plats [includes land ownership information], n.d. (1 volume); 

Ownership Unplatted Areas in Dalles City [Plat Book], ca.1935-ca.1936 (1 volume); 

Present Ownership [Plat Books-large scale], n.d. (17 volumes);

Township Blueprints [Land Ownership Plat Book], ca.1914-ca.1915 (1 volume). 

[Land Ownership Plat Books], n.d. (3 volumes).

​1881-[ongoing]

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Courthouse and Jail Specifications [includes plans], 1881-1884 (.10 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Courthouse [Records-includes plans, specifications, resolutions, bids, and related records], 1914, ca.1958-1962 (.35 cu.ft.);​

[Miscellaneous Maps-includes vicinity, city, partition, district, comprehensive plan, zoning, and highway-rolled], ca.1931-ca.1995 (ca.40 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Courthouse Plans Originals [rolled], ca.1914 (.60 cu.ft.);​

School & Road District Plats, ca.1916 (1 volume);

Wasco County Library School District Plats, ca.1938 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Assessment and Tax Department Office:

[Assessor's Plats], n.d.-present (13 volumes);

Metsker's Map of Wasco County Oregon, n.d. (1 map);

Old Maps [Superseded Assessor's Plats], ca.1961-ca.1993 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office:

USGS Quad Maps [United States Geological Survey Quadrangle Maps], 1957-1987 (ca.75 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Counter:

Old Tax Lot and Zoning Maps, ca.1969-ca.2003 (16 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Second Floor Storage Room:

[Miscellaneous Comprehensive Plan and Reference Maps-includes wildlife, wetlands, and related topics], ca.1971-present (ca.150 maps);

[Miscellaneous Maps-includes zoning, vicinity, city, address, hazard area, soils, drainage basin, etc.], ca.1967-present (ca.200 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Road Engineer/County Surveyor's Office:

Address [County Map Atlas], ca.1983 (1 volume);

BPA [Bonneville Power Administration Maps], ca.1950-ca.1966 (ca.150 maps);
Columbia Gorge & Planning Commission [Miscellaneous Maps], 1982-1994 (ca.40 maps);

Extra USGS Quads [United States Geological Survey Quadrangle Maps], 1956-1977 (ca.40 maps);

Metsker's Atlas of Wasco County, Oregon, 1933 (1 volume); n.d. (1 volume);

[Miscellaneous Filed Rolled Maps-includes road survey, railroad, city, vicinity, etc.], ca.1905-present (ca.400 maps);

The Dalles and Vicinity [Maps], 1972-present (ca.30 maps);

USGS [United States Geological Survey Quadrangle Maps], 1957-1988 (ca.100 maps);

Wasco County Maps Small Scale [County and Vicinity], ca.1957-present (ca.50 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Second Floor Aerial Photograph Storage Room:

[Assessor's Maps-maroon covers], n.d. (5 volumes);

Metsker's Atlas of Wasco County, Oregon, 1933 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia Gorge Community College Campus, Building 2, Region 9 Education Service District Basement Storage:

Metsker's Atlas of Wasco County Oregon, 1933 (1 volume).

Records at a Related Web Site:

Tax Assessment GIS Maps​ [select county], n.d.-present.

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. 

Brand Record [with index], 1856-1892 (1 reel of microfilm). 

Brands [Certificate of Marks and Brands-trifolded], 1895-1913 (.35 cu.ft.); 

Marks & Brands [Record], 1856-1871 (1 volume); 1915-1927 (2 volumes); 1935-1949 (2 volumes);

Record Marks and Brands [with index], 1857-1892 (1 volume); 

Record of Marks and Brands [with index], vol. 1, 1893-1915 (1 volume).

​​1854-1972

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 Certificates, 1879-1898 (.10 cu.ft.);

Marriage Records, 1939-1947 (2 reels of microfilm);

Marriage Record, vol. A, 1856-1865 (1 reel of microfilm).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Marriage Records [Certificates-includes applications, returns, medical certificates, and affidavits in many cases after circa 1906], 1854-1960 (16.50 cu.ft.);

Marriage Record, vol. C-T, 1856-1962 (18 volumes);

Marriage Record [with index], vol. B, 1865-1869 (1 volume);

Proceedings [Marriages-Record], vol. A, 1856-1865 (1 reel of microfilm);

[Return of Marriage-Record], ca.1949-ca.1952 (.10 cu.ft.);

Vital Records Births Marriages Deaths [Abstracts-from local newspapers], 1865-1891 (1 volume);

Wasco County Marriages [Abstract], 1900-1914 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's In-Office Vault:

Index to Marriage Records, vol. 1-2, 1854-1972 (2 volumes).

Marriage Returns​ [includes document images], 1940-1947.

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.

Woman's Separate Property Rights Record [with index], 1861-1893 (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. 

Misc. License Medical [Miscellaneous-with gaps], 1896-1916 (.05 cu.ft.). 

Chiropractic & Osteopathy Record, vol. 1, 1915-1929 (1 volume);

Hearing Aid Fitters & Optometry Record [with index], vol. 1, 1905-1960 (1 volume); 

Physicians & Surgeons Record [includes dentists, veterinarians, naturopaths, and osteopaths], vol. 1, 1887-1936 (1 volume); 

Physicians & Surgeons Register [includes dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, naturopaths-alphabetical], vol. 1, 1887-1936 (1 volume); 

Record of Dentist Certificates [with index], vol. 1, 1914-1935 (1 volume); 

Record of Physicians & Surgeons, Dentists, Chiropractors, and Osteopaths [with index], vol. 2, 1936-1972 (1 volume).

​1855-1987

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.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Military Affidavits, 1865-1882 (.10 cu.ft.);

Military Enrollment List, 1872 (2 volumes); 1872 (1 reel of microfilm);

Military List [Enrollment], 1865 (.05 cu.ft.); 1872 (1 volume);

Military Lists [Enrollment], 1863 (1 volume);

Military Roll, 1856 (1 reel of microfilm); 1874 (1 volume); 1875-1877 (1 volume);

Search for 1863-1865, 1872 Wasco County military lists in Oregon Historical Records Index​.

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Army & Navy Discharge [Record-title varies], vol. 3-11, 1943-1962 (9 volumes);

Index to Military Discharges, vol. 1, 1975-1986 (1 volume);

Military Record, vol. A, 1889-1905 (1 volume);

Military Roll, 1892 (.10 cu.ft.);

Military [Rolls], 1893-1900 (.20 cu.ft.);

Record of Discharges Soldiers Sailors Marines [also indexes the army and navy discharge record as well as military discharges documented in the clerk's miscellaneous record], 1918-1942 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's In-Office Vault:

Military Discharges [Index], ca.1918-ca.1987 (1 binder).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Delinquent Poll and Military Tax List, ca.1890 (1 volume).

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.

Since 1965 mining claims have been entered and maintained on the clerk's recordings computer network as part of the Recordings [Book of Records] (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings). 

Book B Mining and Water Claims [Index], 1891-1948 (1 volume);

Liens and Mining and Water Claims [Record], vol. A, 1859-1892 (1 volume); 

Mining and Water Claims [Record-divided into two volumes], vol. B, 1891-1948 (2 volumes);

Mining Claims Index [and Water Rights-indexes volume C], 1948-1985 (1 volume); 

Mining Water [Records-includes mostly notices], 1892-1909 (.35 cu.ft.);

Mining Water Rights Related [Records-includes mostly water rights cancellations], 1906-1964 (.15 cu.ft.);

Mortgage & Deed Books [Water and Mining Claims], vol. B, 1891-1948 (1 reel of microfilm);​ 

Record of Mines, vol. 1, 1949-1965 (1 volume). 

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​).

1857-1985

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 1963, mortgages have been entered and maintained on the clerk's recordings computer network as part of the Recordings [Book of Records] (Clerk and Recorder Official Filings).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Deeds and Mortgages [Receiving Record], vol. 1, 1895-1896 (1 volume);

Index Mortgages [actually Abstracts], 1876-1884 (1 volume);

Index to Mortgage Record Assignments, 1895-1955 (1 volume);

Index to Mortgages Direct, 1906-1985 (3 volumes);

Index to Mortgages Indirect, 1906-1985 (3 volumes);

Index to Mortgages, vol. 2, 1906-1913 (1 volume);

Mortgage & Deed Books [Mortgages], vol. 69-102, 1946-1963 (18 reels of microfilm);

Mortgage Satisfactions [Records], 1877-1900 (.35 cu.ft.);

Mortgages [Miscellaneous-includes chattel mortgages-title varies], 1857-1932 (1.35 cu.ft.);

Abstract of Mortgages [title varies], 1876-1888, 1892 (11 volumes).

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. 

Naturalization Certificate Stubs, 1885-1929 (10 volumes); 1930-1962 (.10 cu.ft.).

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Declaration of Intention [Record-unbound-with index], 1929-1958 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Declaration of Intention [Record-with index], 1884-1904 (1 volume); 

Declarations of Intention [Record-with index], vol. C, 1889-1906 (1 volume); 

Memorandum of Naturalization Proceedings [Declaration of Intention], vol. 1, 1906-1910 (1 volume); 

Naturalization Declarations of Intentions, 1854-ca.1904 (1 cu.ft.); 

Record Declaration of Intention [with index], 1854-1884 (1 volume); 1906-1929 (3 volumes); 

Search for 1851-1962 Wasco County naturalizations in Oregon Historical Records Index​. 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault: 

Declaration of Intentions and Naturalization Records [Abstracted Index], 1854-1906 (1 volume).

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. 

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

County Court Journal [Judicial-includes adoptions, insane commitments, and naturalizations-with index], vol. D, 1865-1908 (1 volume)​;​

Journal Naturalization Adults [with index], vol 1, 1894-1903 (1 volume); 

Journal Naturalization Minors [with index], vol 1, 1894-1902 (1 volume); 

Journal Naturalization [with index], vol. 2, 1903-1906 (1 volume);

Naturalization Docket, ca.1916-1930 (1 volume); 

Naturalization Index, 1860-1939 (.10 cu.ft.); 

Naturalization Notices of Applications, 1919-1927 (.10 cu.ft.);

Naturalization Petitions and Records, 1929-1962 (.35 cu.ft.); 

Petition and Record [Naturalization-with index], vol. 3-5, 1906-1929 (3 volumes);
Search for 1851-1962 Wasco County naturalizations in Oregon Historical Records Index​. 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Declaration of Intentions and Naturalization Records [Abstracted Index], 1854-1906 (1 volume). 

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. 

Human Services Records [includes requests for payment of indigent health care and petitions for relief], 1860-1904 (.25 cu.ft.). 

County Indust. Farm [Industrial Farm and Hospital Reports and Attachments], 1930-1972 (.85 cu.ft.); 

Widows Pensions [Records-includes applications, reports, and orders], 1913-1937 (.35 cu.ft.). 

Wasco Co. Clerk Treas. [Clerk and Treasurer Semi-Annual Reports and Statements-includes one page of non-resident pauper information], 1892-1894 (1 volume).

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 Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 1951-1998 (1.25 cu.ft.).

PC [Planning Commission Minutes], 2012-present (2 binders).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Second Floor Storage Room: 

PC Minutes [Planning Commission Meeting Minutes], 1978-1979, 1993 (1 binder); 1999-2004 (1 cu.ft.);
Planning Commission Minutes, 2006-2011 (1 cu.ft.).

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. 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Second Floor Lobby Exhibit Case:

Description of Prisoners [Register-includes photographs-with index], vol. 1, 1901-1953 (1 volume).

Jail Register [taped binding], 1892-1929 (1 volume); 

Jail Register, vol. 2-4, 1929-1970 (3 volumes).

​​1854-[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. Over the years probate jurisdiction has been transferred from the county court to the circuit court in most counties. However, the county courts in Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Sherman, and Wheeler Counties continue to hear probate cases. Portions of these records may be restricted.

The Wasco County circuit court joined the Oregon eCourt Case Information Network (OECI) electronic records system in 2015. Probate and guardianship records created since 2015 are maintained electronically. Earlier probate records dating back to 2012 and guardianship records dating back to 2013 are also maintained electronically.

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

General Index Probate Court [indexes case files, journals, letters, and fee books], vol. 1, 1903-1960 (1 volume);

Index to Estate and Guardianships [indexes case files and registers], ca.1860-ca.1960 (1 volume);​

Probate Court Case Files [includes some unnumbered case files], no. A1-A712, 1-2807, 1854-1953 (90 cu.ft.);

Probate Index [Case File], vol. 1, 1854-1949 (1 volume); vol. 2, 1949-1969 (1 volume);

Search for 1854-1953 Wasco County probate case files in Oregon Historical Records Index.

[Probate Case Files], 2008-2011 (12 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Room 305:

Guardianships [Case Files], 1986-1999 (2 CD-ROM discs);

Probate [Case Files], 1994-2002 (3 CD-ROM discs).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Jury Room 306:

Guardianship [Case Files], no. G83.1-G85.20, 1983-1985 (.50 inch microfiche);

Probate [Case Files-incomplete-with some duplicates-title varies], ca.1940-ca.1969 (37 reels of microfilm);

[Probate Case Files], no. 2568-6286, P83.1-P93.91, 1967-1993 (16 inches of microfiche).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Basement Vault B:

Guardianship [Case Files], 2001-2003 (2 cu.ft.);

Probate [Case Files], no. 2568-6286, P83.1-P93.91, ca.1950-1993 (26 inches of microfilm jackets); 2003-2007 (15 cu.ft.).

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives: 

Index County Court Judgments, Fee Book, Execution Docket, Cause Docket [also indexes probate estates], 1860 (1 volume);

Inventories [Probate Estate Appraisal-with index], 1873-1883 (1 volume); 

Probate Inventory of Estate [Tim Baldwin], 1890 (1 volume);

Record of Estates, 1903-1913 (1 volume).​

[Miscellaneous County Reports-includes report of conveyances and report of estates], 1957-1962 (.15 cu.ft.); 

Semi-Annual Reports [includes clerk, estate, game, and financial reports], 1938-1957 (.35 cu.ft.).

1855-1989

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

County Court Journal [Probate], vol. A, 1855-1863 (1 volume);

County Court Probate Docket, 1865-1871 (1 volume); 1872-1879 (1 volume);

Estates and Guardianships [County Court Probate Order Book-with index], vol. A, 1864-1877 (1 volume);

General Index Probate Court [indexes case files, journals, letters, and fee books], vol. 1, 1903-1960 (1 volume);

Probate [Docket-County Court], 1884-1889 (2 volumes);

Probate Docket [County Court], 1880-1883 (2 volumes);

Probate Docket [County Court-unbound], 1919-1920 (.10 cu.ft.);

Probate Journal, 1855-1863 (1 reel of microfilm); vol. D, 1892-1897 (1 volume); vol. K-T, 1916-1945 (10 volumes); vol. 1-17, 1944-1962 (17 volumes);

Probate Journal [with index], vol. E, 1897-1901 (1 volume); vol. E, 1901-1905 (1 volume);

Probate Record [with index], 1866-1875 (1 volume); vol. B-C, 1878-1892 (2 volumes);

Probate Register [with index], vol. 1, 1896-1915 (1 volume);​

Probate Register [with index], vol. B, 1863-1895 (1 volume).

Circuit Court Probate Journals, vol. A-J, 1864-1916 (6 reels of microfilm);

Circuit Court Probate Registers, no. 3824-4440, ca.1960-ca.1967 (1 reel of microfilm);

Probate Fee Book, 1864-1879 (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Trial Court Jury Room 306:

Probate Register [with index], vol. 3-7, 1931-1989 (5 volumes).

1857-[ongoing]

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Road District Boundaries Record, 1881-1890 (1 volume);

Roads and Bridges Records, 1857-1894 (.50 cu.ft.).

Contract Dalles Bridge [also includes applications, notices, abstracts, agreements, and minutes], 1950-1954 (.35 cu.ft.);

Maps Blueprints for Deed Records [includes road petitions, orders, blueprints, maps, and easements], ca.1935-ca.1950 (.35 cu.ft.);

Miscellaneous Maps-includes vicinity, city, partition, district, comprehensive plan, zoning, and highway-rolled], ca.1931-ca.1995 (ca.40 maps);

Roads [Case Files-includes petitions, vacations, plans, field notes, and related records], 1858-1949 (13 cu.ft.).

Road and Precinct Boundaries [Record-includes legal descriptions], 1876-1911 (1 volume);
School & Road District Plats, n.d. (1 volume);

Wasco County Toll Bridge Records [includes orders, resolutions, maps, field notes, and related records], 1948-1974 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Road Engineer/County Surveyor's Office:

County Road Files [includes road survey, creation, vacation, and related information], ca.1858-present (30 cu.ft.);

Road Record [includes road survey, creation, and vacation information], vol. A, 1880-1894 (1 volume);

Road Record [includes road survey, creation, and vacation information-with index], vol. 1-4, 1857-1940 (4 volumes);

Road Status [acts as visual index to road survey, creation, and vacation information], ca.1857-present (1 volume).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Public Works Department Director's Office:

Road Vacations [Case Files], ca.1900-present (4.50 cu.ft.).

Road Record Books Scanned​ [includes road survey, creation, and vacation information], ca.1857-ca.1928;

Wasco County Base Map​ [GIS application-includes aerial photographs, roads, streets, topography and other information], n.d.-present.

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 survey drawings are included in early commissioners' journals (County Commissioners Administrative Journals). 

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Maps Blueprints for Deed Records [includes road petitions, orders, blueprints, maps, and easements], ca.1935-ca.1950 (.35 cu.ft.); 

Roads [Case Files-includes petitions, vacations, plans, field notes, and related records], 1858-1949 (13 cu.ft.). 

Wasco County Toll Bridge Records [includes orders, resolutions, maps, field notes, and related records], 1948-1974 (1 cu.ft.). 

Book [Survey Plat Volumes-includes road surveys], vol. 4-19, ca.1939-present (15 volumes); 

County Road Files [includes road survey, creation, vacation, and related information], ca.1873-present (30 cu.ft.);

Drawings [Survey Card Index-includes road surveys], ca.1894-present (.20 cu.ft.);

Field Notes [Survey Card Index-includes road surveys], ca.1894-present (.20 cu.ft.); 

[Filed Surveys-includes road surveys-mostly rolled], ca.1880-present (ca.50 cu.ft.); 

[Miscellaneous Filed Rolled Maps-includes road survey, railroad, city, vicinity, etc.], ca.1905-present (ca.400 maps);

Road Record [includes road survey, creation, and vacation information], vol. A, 1880-1894 (1 volume); 

Road Record [includes road survey, creation, and vacation information-with index], vol. 1-4, 1857-1940 (4 volumes); 

Road Status [Visual Index to Road Survey, Creation, and Vacation Information], ca.1857-present (1 volume). 

[Road Survey Field Books], no. 1-323, 1920-2000 (323 volumes). 

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Shop, Second Floor Exercise Room: 

Wasco [State Highway Road Survey Strip Maps], ca.1940-ca.1959 (2 cu.ft.).

Road Record Books Scanned​​ [includes road survey, creation, and vacation information], ca.1857-ca.1928;

Survey Books​ [Survey Plat Volumes-includes road surveys], vol. 4-19, ca.1939-present;

Survey Roll Maps Scanned​​ [Filed Surveys-includes road surveys], ca.1880-present.

1882-1974

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

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Other Taxing Districts [Records-includes school district budgets and notices], 1925-1954 (2.50 cu.ft.);

School Clerk's Notices [Budget Levy], 1882-1904 (.25 cu.ft.);

Special Taxing District Budgets [includes school district budgets and notices], 1954-1963 (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

District Clerk's Book of Records [District No. 3], 1893-1894 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 31], 1908-1909 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 75], 1907-1912 (1 volume); 1909-1912 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 11], 1912-1917 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 12], 1914-1916 (1 volume);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 75], 1901-1909 (1 volume); 1909-1913 (1 volume).

Census [School-Wasco County], 1952-1970 (2 volumes);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 3], 1898-1899 (1 volume); 1903-1904 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 44], 1903-1907 (1 volume); 1913-1914 (1 volume);

[Oregon Elementary Cumulative Record Card-title varies], ca.1937-ca.1965 (4 cu.ft.);

Student Enrollment Records [Complete School Record/High School Cumulative Report Card-various districts-title varies], ca.1914-ca.1955 (5 cu.ft.).

District Clerk's Book of Records [District No. 23], 1889-1890 (1 volume); 1892-1896 (1 volume); 1896-1899 (1 volume); 1899-1900 (1 volume); 1903-1908 (1 volume); 1908-1913 (1 volume); 1909-1913 (1 volume); 1914-1918 (1 volume); 1919-1922 (1 volume); 1922-1926 (1 volume); 1926-1929 (1 volume); 1929-1935 (1 volume);

District Clerk's Record Book [District No. 23-rolled], 1942-1948 (.10 cu.ft.);

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 23], 1889-1891 (1 volume);​ 1893-1894 (1 volume); 1913-1920 (1 volume); 1922-1930 (1 volume); 1931-1935 (1 volume).

[Board of Directors Meeting Minutes-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1945-1951 (1 volume);

[Fifth Grade Classes Academy Public School-Record], 1901-1907 (1 volume);

Grades 1-11 [School Record-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1888-1898 (1 volume); 1898-1907 (1 volume);

High School Grades [Record-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1895-1898 (1 volume);

High School [Record-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1913 (1 volume);

Official Minutes [The Dalles School Board-District No. 12-The Dalles-title varies], 1936-1966 (6 binders);

Record Board of Directors Minutes [District No. 12-The Dalles], 1897-1910 (1 volume);

Record of First Semester/Second Semester [District No. 12-The Dalles-title varies], 1914-1925 (20 volumes);

[Record of Pupils of High School-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1898-1901 (1 volume);

School Directory for Wasco County, 1942-1970 (.10 cu.ft.);

[School Register-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1907-1911 (1 volume);

The Dalles Public Schools [Record of Pupils Attendance and Standing], 1914 (1 volume).

Minutes and Record Book [District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 23], 1952 (1 volume);

Old Census Records [District No. 12-The Dalles], 1960-1964 (.40 cu.ft.);

School Registers [Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1941-1966 (7 cu.ft.);

[Teacher's Monthly Reports-District No. 12-The Dalles], 1940-1956 (.40 cu.ft.);

[The Dalles Public Schools Promotion Sheet], 1925-1928 (1 volume); 1929-1933 (1 volume); 1934-1938 (1 volume).

Records at the The Dalles High School, Room 205:

Graduates Drops [The Dalles High School Student Transcript Cards], 1914-1974 (8 inches of microfiche).

Oregon School Register and Record Book [District No. 9-Mosier], 1930-1936 (1 volume); 1933-1939 (1 volume); 1937-1939 (1 volume);

[Oregon School Register and Record Book-District No. 52-Mosier], 1941-1950 (1 volume); 1950-1962 (.75 cu.ft.).

Records at the Oregon Historical Society:

Mss. 2390B [District Clerk's Record Book-District No. 46], 1902-1904 (1 volume).

1861-1972

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

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Record of School Lands Sold, 1872-1880 (1 reel of microfilm);

School Superintendent Reports, 1861-1894 (.50 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

County School Superintendent's Register and Record Book, 1888-1889 (3 volumes); 1912 (1 volume);

[Petitions for Changes of School District Boundaries], 1881-1910 (.40 cu.ft.);

Record School District Boundaries, 1879-1889 (1 volume);

Record [School Superintendent Record of Teachers' Certificates-includes additional information], 1880-1895 (1 volume);

School & Road District Plats, ca.1916 (1 volume);

School Sup't Wasco County [Superintendent's Record of School Lands Sold-includes additional information], 1872-1881 (1 volume);

Wasco County Library School District Plats, ca.1938 (1 volume).

Records at the Columbia Gorge Community College Campus, Building 2, Region 9 Education Service District Basement Storage:

Boundary Bd. Minutes [School District Boundary Board], 1915-1960 (1 volume);

County School Superintendent's Register and Record Book, 1913-1916 (4 volumes);

Record of Annual Reports [County School Superintendent's Annual Report], 1917-1929 (1 volume);

Record of School District Boundaries, 1916-1944 (1 volume);

Register of 8th Grade Final Examination [with index], vol. 1, 1904-1942 (1 volume);

Register of Eighth Grade Final Examinations [with index], vol. 2, 1921-1933 (1 volume);

Register of State Certificates and Diplomas [with index], vol. 1, 1900-1929 (1 volume);

Register of Teachers Contracts and Certificates [with index], vol. 3, 1929-1959 (1 volume);

Registers of Teachers, 1959-1972 (1 volume);

School Superintendent's Record of Annual Reports, 1930-1968 (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.

Records at the Oregon State Archives:

Surveys of The Dalles City [includes drawings, correspondence, and related records], 1864-1916 (.15 cu.ft.).

Book [Assessor's Map Base Township and Range Survey Index Volumes-includes corner survey information], vol. 1-2, 4-5, ca.1860-present (4 volumes);

Book [Survey Plat Volumes-includes road surveys], vol. 4-19, ca.1939-present (15 volumes);

Drawings [Survey Card Index-includes road surveys], ca.1894-present (.20 cu.ft.);

Field Notes [Survey Card Index-includes road surveys], ca.1894-present (.20 cu.ft.);

[Filed Surveys-includes road surveys-mostly rolled], ca.1880-present (ca.50 cu.ft.);

GLO/BLM [General Land Office/Bureau of Land Management Land Survey Plats and Descriptions], ca.1861-ca.1977 (ca.125 maps);

GLO Field Notes [General Land Office-includes land corner monument records and interfiled microfiche], ca.1860-present (2 cu.ft.);

Replacements [Modified Assessor's Plat Atlas Survey Index Replaced Pages-includes land corner monument information], n.d. (2 volumes);

Survey Records [includes field notes, drawings, and related records], 1901-present (3.50 cu.ft.);

Surveys by Name [Card Index], ca.1970-ca.2006 (.50 cu.ft.);

Surveys by Section-Baseline [Card Index], ca.1880-ca.2006 (.75 cu.ft.);

Surveys [Visual Index to Surveys and Remonumented Corners-includes donation land claim information], ca.1860-present (1 volume).

[Phil Larson Survey Field Books], no. 100-118, ca.1988-ca.2006 (19 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Bearing Trees of United States Survey, Original County Surveys, 1896-1900 (1 volume);

County Surveyor [Record-includes field notes and plats-with index], vol. 1, 1901-1968 (1 volumes);

County Survey [Record-includes field notes and plats-with index], vol. 2, 1901-1969 (1 volumes);

Field Notes of Sections, vol. A2, 1872-1906 (1 cu.ft.);

Index Clerk Record Surveys, 1901-n.d. (1 volume);

Index Surveyor's Record, 1901-n.d. (1 volume).

Survey Roll Maps Scanned​ [Filed Surveys-includes road surveys], ca.1880-present.

Records at a Related Web Site:

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-includes copies of old tax lot cards], ca.1950-present (24 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Assessment and Tax Department Office, Closet:

Old Tax Lot Cards [Official Record of Descriptions of Real Property], ca.1950-ca.1994 (12 cu.ft.).

1859-1985

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

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Certificates of Water Rights, vol. 1-2, 1914-1963 (2 volumes);

Liens and Mining and Water Claims [Record], vol. A, 1859-1892 (1 volume);

Mining and Water Claims [Record-divided into two volumes], vol. B, 1891-1948 (2 volumes);

Mining Claims Index [and Water Rights-indexes volume C], 1948-1985 (1 volume);

Mining Water [Records-includes mostly notices], 1892-1909 (.35 cu.ft.);

Mining Water Rights Related [Records-includes mostly water rights cancellations], 1906-1964 (.15 cu.ft.);

Mortgage & Deed Books [Water and Mining Claims], vol. B, 1891-1948 (1 reel of microfilm).​

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault, Built-in Cabinet:

Book B Mining and Water Claims [Index], 1891-1948 (1 volume);

Cancellation of Water Rights, 1977-1978 (.10 cu.ft.); Deschutes River and Tributaries Findings and Order of Determination [Water Rights], 1926 (1 volume);

Deschutes River Basin Policy Statement [Water Rights], 1962 (.05 cu.ft.);

Fifteen Mile Creek Original Evidence, vol. 1-2, 4-6, 1921-1922 (5 volumes);

John Day River and its Tributaries Findings and Order of Determination [Water Rights], 1930 (1 volume);

L.C. Lyda vs. State Engineer [Water Rights Court Records for Fifteen Mile Creek], 1924-1978 (.20 cu.ft.);

Map of Fifteen Mile Creek [Water Rights-serves as vol. 3 of original evidence adjudication survey], 1921 (12 maps);

Map of Irrigated Lands [Fifteen Mile Creek Court Record], no. 2993, n.d. (1 map);

Mill Creek Findings and Order of Determination [Water Rights], 1923 (.05 cu.ft.);

Mill Creek Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law [Water Rights], 1924 (.05 cu.ft.);

Mill Creek Map [Water Rights], 1921 (4 maps);

Mill Creek Original Evidence [Water Rights], vol. 1-3, 5, 1923 (4 volumes);

Modified Findings and Order of Determination [Fifteen Mile Creek Water Rights], 1922 (1 volume);

Relative Rights to the Use of the Waters of Mill Creek [Court Records], no. 3155, 1923-1924 (.10 cu.ft.);

Report on the Water Supply for Lands Served by the Wapinitia Water Company, 1935 (1 volume);

State Engineer Maps White River Adjudication, 1918 (10 maps);

Transcript of Proceedings L.C. Lyda [Water Rights], 1966 (1 volume);

Water Rights of Chenoweth Creek [Court Records], 1927-1928 (.25 cu.ft.);

Water Rights of Mosier Creek [Court Records], 1927-1928 (.30 cu.ft.);

Water Rights of Three Mile Creek [Court Records], 1927-1928 (.25 cu.ft.);

[Water Surface Profile Strip Map], 1931 (1 map);

White River Appeal from Circuit Court [Supreme Court Transcript on Appeal-Water Rights], vol. 15, 1923-1935 (1 volume);

White River Original Evidence [Water Rights], vol. 1-10, ca.1907-1922 (10 volumes);

White River Original Evidence [Water Rights], vol II, 1929-1931 (1 volume);

White River [Water Rights Court Records], 1923-1979 (.25 cu.ft.);

White River Water Rights [Court Records], 1979-1981 (.10 cu.ft.).

​1919-[ongoing]

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

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office:

Countywide Zoning Maps, 1969 (3 maps);

Land Use Development Ordinance [includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985-2012 (1 binder);​

Wasco County Zoning History Index [refers to ordinances] 1919-1999 (1 binder);

Wasco County Zoning Ordinances, 1953-2006 (22 binders);

[Zone Change Case File], 2016 (.50 cu.ft.); 2018 (.10 cu.ft.);

Zoning History [Records-includes copies of ordinances and resolutions], 1951-2000 (22 binders);

Zoning [Maps-The Dalles Region], 1956-1980 (10 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Counter:

[Miscellaneous Zoning Maps-wall and counter], 2010-present (ca.10 maps);

Old Tax Lot and Zoning Maps, ca.1969-ca.2003 (16 volumes).

Records at the Wasco County Public Works Building, Planning Office Second Floor Storage Room:

County LUDO [Land Use and Development Ordinance-includes zoning and subdivision information], 1956-present (7 cu.ft.);

CPA/ZNC [Comprehensive Plan Adjustment and Zone Change Case Files], 1979-2008 (5 cu.ft.);​

[Miscellaneous Maps-includes zoning, vicinity, city, address, hazard area, soils, drainage basin, etc.], ca.1967-present (ca.200 maps);

Old Zone Changes [Case Files], 1971-1984 (2 cu.ft.);

ZNC [Zone Change Case Files], 1985-1994 (1 cu.ft.).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Clerk's Vault:

Miscellaneous Maps-includes vicinity, city, partition, district, comprehensive plan, zoning, and highway-rolled], ca.1931-ca.1995 (ca.40 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Courthouse, Basement County Archives:

Minutes Wasco County Zoning Board [Adjustments], 1956-1973 (1 volume);

Planning Commission Board of Adjustment Minutes [Zoning], 1973-1980 (1 binder); 1982-1990 (1 binder);

Various Board Meeting Minutes [Land Use and Development Ordinance-includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985 (.10 cu.ft.);

Wasco County Board of Adjustment Minutes [Zoning], 1980-1982 (1 binder);

[Zoning Maps-rolled], 1969-1984 (ca.25 maps).

Records at the Wasco County Web Site:

Policies and Ordinances​​ [includes comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, and miscellaneous information], ca.1988-present;

Wasco County Base Map​ [GIS application-includes zoning, aerial photographs, roads, streets, topography and other information], n.d.-present;

Wasco County Land Use and Development Ordinance​ [includes zoning and subdivision information], 1985-present.