Historian to Discuss Fremont's Trail Through Sisters Country

Loren Irving to share photos and research on the Second John C. Fremont Expedition's journey through Oregon in 1843.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Three Sisters Historical Society is hosting a Fireside Speaker program featuring Loren Irving, a well-known historian and photographer, who will discuss his extensive research and field work on the Second John C. Fremont Expedition that traveled through Oregon in 1843. Irving has located and photographed 31 campsites from the expedition's journey, including sites along Whychus Creek and the Metolius River near Sisters.

Why it matters

The Fremont expeditions played a key role in mapping and documenting the Oregon Trail, which helped encourage westward settlement in the mid-19th century. Irving's research and photography provide a unique window into this important chapter of Oregon's history.

The details

In 2009, Irving used Fremont's published journals, party member Charles Preuss' diary, and his own research to locate and photograph 31 campsites from the Second Fremont Expedition's travels through Oregon. The expedition, commissioned by the U.S. Government, consisted of 25 men and 104 horses and mules, and included famed scout Kit Carson and young Native American Billy Chinook.

  • The expedition camped outside Sisters along Whychus Creek in December 1843.
  • Irving's Fireside Speaker program will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Loren Irving

A well-known historian and professional photographer who is a native Oregonian and long-time resident of Bend. He has extensively researched and photographed the Second John C. Fremont Expedition's journey through Oregon in 1843.

John C. Fremont

The leader of the Second Fremont Expedition, which was commissioned by the U.S. Government to survey and map the Oregon Trail in the hope of encouraging westward settlement.

Kit Carson

A famed scout who was part of the Second Fremont Expedition.

Billy Chinook

A young Native American from the Wasco tribe, which later became part of the Warm Springs Reservation, who was part of the Second Fremont Expedition.

Three Sisters Historical Society

The organization hosting the Fireside Speaker program featuring Loren Irving.

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What’s next

The Fireside Speaker program featuring Loren Irving will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the Sisters Fire District Community Hall.

The takeaway

Loren Irving's research and photography provide a unique and valuable historical perspective on the Second Fremont Expedition's journey through Oregon, which played a pivotal role in mapping the Oregon Trail and encouraging westward settlement in the 19th century.