Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is bordered by Washington, Nevada, Idaho, and California. To the west, Oregon is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. With 98,381 square miles, Oregon is the ninth largest state in the United States. It is the 27th most populous state, with approximately 3,899,353 residents, and the 39th most densely populated state in the United States. Native Americans lived in the area prior to European settlement. It is believed that English and Spanish explorers visited the area in the 1500s, and Captain Robert Gray claimed the area for the United States in 1792. The British and Americans shared control of the area until the Oregon Treaty in 1846, when Britain relinquished all claims. Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state in 1859.
Interesting Facts about Oregon:
The origins of the name Oregon are unknown, but one theory is that it is derived from the French word ouragan, which means “hurricane.” Another theory is that the name refers to a mythical western river called Ouragon.
The Beaver State is Oregon’s state nickname.
The state motto of Oregon is Alis volat Propriis, which translates as “She Flies on Her Own Wings.”
‘Oregon, My Oregon’ is the state song of Oregon.
Oregonians are people who live in Oregon.
Oregon’s capital city is Salem, and its largest city is Portland.
The only state flag with designs on both sides is Oregon’s. It was made official in 1925.
The western meadowlark is the state bird of Oregon, and the Oregon swallowtail butterfly is the state insect.
The American beaver is the state animal of Oregon, and the Chinook salmon is the state fish.
The Oregon grape is the state flower of Oregon, and the Douglas fir is the state tree.
Oregon’s state mushroom is the Pacific golden chanterelle, and the state nut is the hazelnut.
The Snake River, John Day River, Willamette River, Deschutes River, and Columbia River are all major rivers in Oregon.
Crater Lake and Upper Klamath Lake are two of Oregon’s most important lakes.
Timber, paper, mining, electronics, and computer equipment are all major industries in Oregon.
Wheat, cattle, onions, seed, peppermint oil, and Christmas trees are all important crops in Oregon.
Oregon has more ghost towns than any other state in the United States.
Many windsurfers believe that the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is the best place in the world to practice their sport.
Crater Lake in Oregon is the deepest lake in the United States, formed by the remains of an ancient volcano.
Only Oregon and New Jersey do not have self-service gas stations.
The International Rose Test Garden in Oregon has over 500 different types of roses that have been grown continuously since 1917.
The Seaside Aquarium in Oregon was the first in the world to successfully breed harbor seals in captivity.
Hells Canyon in Oregon has the deepest river gorge in North America. It’s 8,000 feet down.
Florence, Oregon is home to the world’s largest sea cave. It was found in 1880.
Valentine’s Day and Oregon’s state birthday both fall on February 14th.
