Doing Time: Then and Now
This fun Washington County Historical Society exhibit focuses on the history of law enforcement in the County through intriguing tales of murder and mayhem set in the context of mid-19th century life. Learn about Joe Meek, the first elected sheriff in Oregon, who was appointed by pioneers gathered at Champoeg in 1843. See how early forensics compares with law enforcement technology today. Read about the first Washington County log jail, built in 1853. Was Ulysses S. Grant ever an inmate of this small one-room jail?
Semi-permanent displays on the history of law enforcement in Washington County adorn the lobby of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Hillsboro. Built-in display cases include not only law enforcement-related artifacts such as deputy badges and handcuffs, but also many other items from County history such as a civil defense helmet, a voting box and typewriter. The Sheriff’s Office is located at 215 SW Adams Avenue in Hillsboro.
