The second floor of the Oregon State Library features an exhibit entitled “The Early Exploration of the Pacific Northwest, 1778 – 1843.” Using books from the State Library’s Special Collections, this exhibit highlights many early expeditions in the Pacific Northwest, starting with the 1778 Oregon Coast explorations by James Cook of England to the United States Exploring Expedition led by Charles Wilkes in 1843. The exhibit displays many other key materials from persons and places such as Robert Gray, George Vancouver, Lewis and Clark and Astoria. Oregon State Library’s Special Collections houses manuscripts, photographs, older Oregon documents, Oregon maps, and books and periodicals on numerous Oregon-related topics. Many items in the collection require special handling or protection because they are rare or fragile.

 This exhibit is on display in the 2nd floor lobby of the State Library, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.