Welcome to The Volga Germans in Portland website. This site is an online resource for learning about the settlement of this ethnic group in Oregon. Migrating from the Germanic areas of Western Europe in the 1760's, they settled along the Volga River near the city of Saratov and established colonies on the vast unsettled steppes of Russia.
These German colonists built stable communities, established farms, churchs, schools and businesses in their new homeland in Russia.
In the later part of the 19th century, these ethnic Germans looked to find new opportunities, escape political repression and preserve their way of life. Many Germans living in Russia's lower Volga River region came to the United States during this time period - settling first in the Midwest. By the early 1880s these pioneers were moving west and many came to call Portland their new home.
Hergert's Saloon in NE Portland was owned by a Volga German from Brunnental, Russia. Photograph courtesy of Carol Gass.
The Volga Germans became an integral part of the diverse fabric of this community. This site is dedicated to those families, their ancestors, and the descendants who carry on their memory. I hope that you will explore the culture, history and heritage of the Volga Germans in Portland and become active in its preservation.
Photograph of Henry and Katherin Miller's children about 1925. Photograph courtesy of Chris Kauhi.
New!
Portland is now the home of The Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University. Visit the CVGS website for more information about the Volga Germans and upcoming events in our area.
The Second German Congregational Church was located on NE 8th and Skidmore until 1961.