Lot Whitcomb (1807–1857) was an American commercial entrepreneur and politician who established the city of Milwaukie, Oregon.

After making a fortune milling and shipping lumber and timber for California gold miners, Whitcomb launched the first steamship in the U.S. state of Oregon.

[5] This group met up with others seeking to pioneer in Oregon and a massive train of 114 animal-drawn wagons ensued.

[2] In the summer of 1848 news that gold had been discovered in California made its way to the Willamette Valley and an exodus of fortune-seekers from Oregon ensued.

[8] Whitcomb's fortunes were further enhanced by a flood during the winter of 1849–50, in which many of his competitors in the lumber industry saw their mills washed away or badly damaged by floodwaters.

"[12] After the ship was launched, it made regular trips between Oregon City and Astoria, at the mouth of the Columbia River.

[11] Whitcomb's other activities included a term (1852–53) as Clackamas County representative to the House chamber of the Oregon Territorial Legislature.