Twenty-five women were convicted of homicide in Oregon between 1854 and 1950. During these years the majority faced all-male court and penal systems. As such, they were handled differently in accordance with various social, cultural, and legislative shifts relating to women's roles as citizens. Through an examination of contemporary newspaper articles, inmate case files, and other Oregon State Penitentiary records, this presentation will examine three distinct periods relating to these shifts: 1854-1900, 1901-1935 and 1936-1950.

Jenna Barganski is the Museum Manager at Clackamas County Historical Society in Oregon City. In 2018, Jenna received her M.A. in History and Public History from Portland State University.