John McLoughlin was born under the name Jean-Baptiste in Rivière-du-Loup in October 1784. He received a license to practice medicine during his youth, pursuing a career in medicine as a physician. He is best known for his role as a superintendent in the Hudson’s Bay Company from 1824 to 1845, before becoming known as the “Father of Oregon” for his role in the development of Oregon in the United States.

He built Fort Vancouver near the Columbia River, where he supervised the trade of supplies with the First Nations. Later in his life, he resigned from his position and opened a store that was famous for being the last stop on the famous Oregon Trail. He eventually died in September 1857 after succumbing to various ailments that worsened his health. His house in Oregon City has been preserved as a historical building and has become the location of the McLoughlin House Unit of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Photo: Lantern slide of Dr. John McLaughlin in the Early settlement of Oregon collection of the Oregon State University Special Collections & Archives Original Collection: Visual Instruction Department Lantern Slides Item Number: P217: set 38 no.24. OSU Special Collections & Archives: Commons – OSU Special Collections & Archives