N. Oregon Coast Presentation Takes on KKK's Local Presence Last Century

Published 10/14/25 at 6:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Nehalem, Oregon) – On Saturday, October 25, some truly unpleasant Oregon and coastal history is going to resurface.

On that date, the Nehalem Valley Historical Society will host David A. Horowitz, Portland State University's Professor Emeritus of History, giving a presentation on “Ghosts of Modern Culture War: The 1920s Ku Klux Klan in Oregon and Tillamook County.” It brings to light the conditions in this state a mere 100 years ago, when the KKK ran many aspects of the area.

The talk takes place at 3:30 pm at the North County Recreation District 36155 9th Street, Nehalem. It is $10 at the door, and all proceeds benefit NVHS education programs.

In the early 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan established a presence in Oregon during the rise of the second iteration of the organization. Its rapid expansion across the state was fueled by a predominantly white, Protestant population and longstanding racist and anti-immigrant attitudes embedded in the region – including the north Oregon coast.

Between 1921 and 1928, the Tillamook Chapter No. 8 of the Klan exerted significant influence, advancing an anti-Catholic agenda and supporting Prohibition. The chapter also played a prominent role in local governance, law enforcement, and the judicial system, using its position to shape public policy and community norms.

Indeed, according to writer Steve Law and Oregon Public Broadcasting, the Klan “overwhelmed Oregon politics.” Throughout the state they had helped install politicians that favored them.

“Ultimately, the struggles and decline of the Klan in Oregon coincided with the struggles and decline of the Klan in other states, and its activity faded in the 1930s,” Horowitz said.

Professor Horowitz offers a timely a presentation exploring the Klan’s impact in Oregon, with a particular focus on its activities in Tillamook County. The event invites attendees to learn more about this complex and troubling chapter in northwest history.

Popularity of the KKK surged in the early century, pushed along by D.W. Griffith’s morally depraved film, Birth of a Nation.

Horowitz's book Inside the Klavern is a unique look at that world. Instead of being a fully written-out narrative, it's a collection of meetings' minutes from the Ku Klux Klan in La Grande, Oregon, between 1922 and 1924. It shows what went on from the inside, known as the most complete set of Klan notes ever found.

“Through an extensive introduction and conclusion as well as brief notes previewing each installment of the minutes, David A. Horowitz places these unique documents in historical perspective,” writes one synopsis.

https://nehalemvalleyhistory.org/ MORE NEHALEM BAY BELOW

Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours

MORE PHOTOS BELOW

Exquisite Spring Break Hangouts on Oregon Coast with New Discoveries
The wows of Lincoln City and Cannon Beach, including the beginning of a ghost forest. Lincoln City hotel reviews, Cannon Beach hotel reviews, specials, Seaside hotel reviews. Shearwater Inn, Schooner's Cove, Wayside Inn, Pelican Shores Inn, Looking Glass Inn

Two Vacation Home Openings This Time of Year on Oregon Coast? Yes, Even in Pa...
Rare openings this week, later in August and some booking tips. Pacific City hotel reviews, vacation rentals

Manzanita Hotel Review: Oregon Coast Inn Gets New Life as Forest Getaway, Ne...
Nehalem River Inn is nearly 100 years old. Nehalem Hotel Review

Multiple, Killer Oregon Coast Balcony Views at a Mere Two of Newport's Hotspots
A slice of infnity at one and a charming mansion in dense woods. Newport hotel reviews

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....

Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted