b) Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown, affectionately known as the ‘Mother of Oregon,’ was a notable pioneer and philanthropist. In the 1840s, after a challenging journey on the Oregon Trail, she settled in the Oregon Territory. Recognizing the need for assistance among fellow pioneers, especially orphaned children, Brown co-founded the Tualatin Academy and the Oregon Institute, which later became Pacific University. Her compassionate actions and dedication to education and welfare made her a beloved figure in Oregon’s history. Brown’s legacy is a testament to the vital role women played in settling and shaping the American West.