In the early 1980s, followers of the guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh founded a commune on the grounds of Big Muddy Ranch near Antelope, Oregon. They named their community Rajneeshpuram.
Soon, as thousands of believers visited the ranch, they came into conflict with their neighbors, local government and the state. While the Rajneeshees saw themselves as establishing a utopian city, others saw a cult with dangerous tendencies. Oregon's Governor Vic Atiyeh was concerned about developments at Rajneeshpuram. He kept a close, though low-profile, watch on their activities. This exhibit includes documents from the Governor's office regarding the Rajneesh crisis.
See all items on the Rajneesh , or browse this exhibit using the links on the left.
Credits
Eva Guggemos and Lou Lynch