MICHAEL K. ROSS (1941-2007)

Michael K. Ross was a Washington State legislator, civil rights activist, and contractor who, although he worked from within established political channels, was not afraid to go against the grain to affect social change. Ross’s early years followed a conservative trajectory.  Born in Iowa City, Iowa and raised in the Midwest, he served a stint in the United States Air Force before deciding to become involved in civil rights work.  He came to Seattle in the mid-1960s … Continue reading MICHAEL K. ROSS (1941-2007)

Revisit: HOLMES V. FORD (1853)

The lawsuit filed by Robin and Polly Holmes against Nathaniel Ford in 1852 is often cited as the legal event that ended slavery in Oregon. This is not accurate. Legally, Oregon was anti-slavery throughout the antebellum period. The provisional government prohibited slavery in 1843; the territorial government did so in 1848. Finally, Oregonians included an anti-slavery article in the 1857 statehood constitution. The Holmes v. Ford case … Continue reading Revisit: HOLMES V. FORD (1853)