THE VOLGA GERMANS IN PORTLAND
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History >

History

Portland, Oregon circa 1923
Portland circa 1923. Source: Acme Commercial Photographers, Copyright Claimant. Portland, Oregon. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, .
The story of the Volga Germans as a distinct ethnic group begins in the mid-1760's when Western Europeans were actively recruited to become colonists in Russia. The goal of Catherine the Great's government was to entice skilled farmers and craftsmen to settle on their eastern frontier along the lower Volga River. Approximately 30,000 people would take advantage of her offer.

This website provides more information about where these people originated in Europe and why they decided to migrate to Russia. After little more than 100 years in Russia, some would decide to move again, this time to the America.

After briefly settling in the midwest, some Volga Germans were lured by promising stories about the Pacific Northwest. Many chose to make Portland, Oregon their new home where a close knit community was established in 1881. 

The impacts of two world wars, the subsequent cold war, changing demographics, government policy decisions, and assimilation would ultimately dissolve this enclave, leaving few recognizable reminders.

Although most Portlanders know little about this ethnic group, the Volga Germans have become a successful and integral part of the community.
  • A Historical Timeline
  • Migration to Russia
  • Emigration from Russia
  • Settlement in America
  • Migration to Portland
  • Rooshian Town
  • A Short History of Albina
  • World War I
  • The Volga Relief Society
  • World War II
  • Assimilation and Dispersion
Last updated October 2, 2018.
Copyright © 1998-2021 Steven H. Schreiber
  • Home
    • About This Website
  • History
    • Historical Timeline
    • Migration to Russia
    • Emigration from Russia
    • Settlement in America
    • Migration to Portland
    • Little Russia
    • A Short History of Albina
    • World War I
    • The Volga Relief Society
    • World War II
    • Assimilation and Dispersion
  • Beliefs
    • Churches >
      • Albina Seventh-day Adventist Church
      • First United Mennonite Baptist Church
      • Ebenezer German Congregational Church
      • Free Evangelical Brethren Church >
        • German Evangelical Congregational Brethren Church
      • Second German Baptist Church
      • St. Pauls Evangelical and Reformed Church
      • Second German Congregational Church >
        • Evangelical Congregational Church
      • Zion German Congregational Church >
        • Rivercrest Community Church
    • Pastors
    • The Brethren
    • Denominations >
      • German Reformed Church
      • German Evangelical Synod of North America
      • Evangelical and Reformed Church
      • German Congregational Church
      • Seventh-day Adventists
      • United Church of Christ
  • People
    • Our People
    • Notables
    • Pioneers 1881-1892
    • Stories
    • Photographs
    • Help Identify These People
  • Community
    • Characteristics
    • Businesses >
      • Bakeries Retailers and Services
      • Garbage Haulers
      • Grocery and Meat Markets
      • Restaurants >
        • Helsers on Alberta
        • McCormick & Schmicks
        • Wildwood
      • Saloons and Taverns
      • Suppliers and Manufacturers
    • Employers
    • Education
    • Sports
    • Maps
    • Documentary
  • Traditions
    • Foods
    • Folk Medicine
    • Expressions
    • Weddings
    • Holidays
    • Folk Music
    • Funerals and Burial Sites
  • Resources
    • Family Research
    • Books and Video
    • Works Cited