Liquor Control, Temperance, and the Call for Prohibition


Liquor control has been a prominent issue in Oregon politics since well before statehood. Most early laws relating to liquor control were intended to prevent Native Americans from obtaining and possessing liquor. In June of 1844, Oregon's provisional government enacted a prohibition law designed to "prevent the introduction, sale and distillation of ardent spirits in Oregon." (page 1 of act ... page 2 ... page 3) This law remained in effect until September of 1849, when the territorial legislature repealed it.

Prohibition bill


The last decades of the 1800s saw the temperance movement gain increasing attention in the United States. Led by the Women's Christian Temperance Union (or WCTU) and the Anti-Saloon League, public displays against establishments that sold liquor (particularly saloons) became commonplace in many cities and towns throughout the nation. The fame of such figures as the hatchet-wielding Carrie Nation, who would enter saloons and smash liquor containers and other paraphernalia, brought the temperance movement to the attention of the nation, including the citizens of Oregon.

For some time, the temperance movement was joined by the equal suffrage movement in an attempt to enact both as needed social reforms. However, the two movements were unable to divide their focus between the two issues, and each tended to view the other as inhibiting their adoption both in Oregon and throughout the nation. In Oregon, Abigail Scott Duniway, arguably the leading spokesperson for the women's suffrage movement, blamed the prohibitionists for many of suffrage's defeats at the polls. By 1912, when women's suffrage was enacted into law by the people of Oregon, the two movements had essentially split.

Proclamation on prohibitionDuring the late 1800s the temperance movement continued to agitate the state government for prohibition and liquor control reform. In November of 1887 Oregon voters defeated a proposed amendment to the state constitution to institute state-wide prohibition. Saloons were by law allowed to operate in Oregon by a measure approved by the voters in November 1889.

On June 6, 1904 Oregon voters approved the local option act. This law established that a successful county-wide vote for prohibition would make each precinct in the county subject to the ban on alcohol. In 1905 the Legislative Assembly enacted statutes that enabled the implementation of the local option law. That same year the city of Hood River enacted prohibition by local option election. Subsequent challenges to the local option law during the years 1905-1907 resulted in local option being upheld by the Oregon Supreme Court. During the following years, various counties and cities enacted prohibition via use of the local option.

Supporters of prohibition envisioned a society with less crime, domestic abuse, neglect, and accidents.They predicted that, with the proper guidance, people whose lives had revolved around saloons and drinking would be transformed into better spouses, parents, and workers. Freed from the debilitating effects of alcohol, these people would rise to a higher moral plane and become more productive citizens. As a result, the nation would grow stronger.

Mock ballot

Industries and individuals standing to lose from prohibition mounted a spirited counteroffensive. They cited the economic hardship that would come to farmers of such crops as wheat, potatoes, and hops. Owners and employees of breweries, distilleries, saloons, and other related businesses also foresaw doom. Some opponents predicted that a criminal element would fill the void left by the loss of legitimate businesses related to liquor (see "Morals and Business" mock ballot).


Navigation bar


Oregon State Archives Home