The board assists federal, state, and local governments by reviewing geographic name proposals.

The board was needed because inconsistencies in place names were causing serious problems for surveyors, map makers, and scientists who required uniform geographic nomenclature.

In addition, the board was specifically directed to standardize and document geographic names of all domestic, foreign, or undersea features.

[2][3][4] The Oregon Geographic Board was established by Governor George Chamberlain in an executive order signed on October 1, 1908.

[1][2][3] In October 1908, Governor Chamberlain appointed William Gladstone Steel, Doctor Joseph Schafer, and John B. Horner to the board.

McArthur's position on the board allowed him to study journals of early explorers, read pioneer diaries, browse newspaper archives, research government documents, and thoroughly reviewed every book on Oregon history he could find.

The book was quickly recognized as the authoritative source for information regarding the origins and history of Oregon place names.

[3][5][6] Another long-serving member of the Oregon Geographic Board was the well known newspaper journalist and science writer Phil Brogan of Bend.

[1][2][3] In 2001, members of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs persuaded the Oregon Legislative Assembly to pass a law requiring that many place names including the word squaw be changed.

In addition, the board is supported by advisers from state and federal land management and mapping agencies as well as the Oregon Historical Society.