Offbeat Oregon History podcast

A story about a rusty old steel rowboat discovered on the Columbia River that turned out to be a historic Liberty Ship lifeboat.

This episode recounts how Oregon nearly lost public access to its beaches due to a legal loophole, and how Governor Tom McCall fought to preserve it.

This episode recounts the 1949 effort by Oregon schoolchildren to replant forests destroyed by the Tillamook burn.

This episode recounts the 1933 Tillamook Burn wildfire in Oregon, focusing on the surprising lack of fatalities and the role of chief forester Lynn Krohnmiller.

This episode recounts the 1933 Tillamook Burn wildfire, sparked by a logging crew's risky decision to keep working in dry conditions.

This episode recounts the 1974 prison break of convicted cop killer Carl Cletus Bowles, who escaped during a conjugal visit from the Oregon State Penitentiary by simply walking out of a motel, in what is described as possibly the most embarrassing jailbreak in U.S.

This episode tells the story of Pixieland, a short-lived, wildly ambitious theme park built on the Oregon coast in 1969 that aimed to be a 'fairy tale story of Oregon'.

This episode tells the story of Al Fawcett, a 1920s daredevil who became famous for paddling over waterfalls in specially designed boats but never achieved financial success.

This episode re-examines the life of Mary Leonard, Oregon's first female lawyer, arguing that she was not the grasping nag portrayed by historians but rather a protector of marginalized women.

Host Finn J.D.

This episode tells the story of how Oregon State Treasurer Bob Straub stopped a 1960s plan by powerful Highway Commissioner Glenn Jackson to reroute Highway 101 onto the beach between Neskowin and Tillamook.

This episode recounts the 1896 Oregon legislative session that became nationally notorious for its 40-day debauch, focusing on politician Jonathan Bourne Jr.

This episode tells the story of the Bing cherry's origins, tracing its roots to the Oregon Trail and the Llewellyn family.

A historical narrative about William 'Diamond Bill' Barrett, a charming con artist who eloped with wealthy heiresses in early 20th century Oregon.

A historical narrative about a lighthouse keeper whose cowardice during a storm in 1883 led to the deaths of eleven sailors.

This episode explores the Oregon Vortex, a famous roadside attraction that inspired the TV show Gravity Falls.