Oregon

Oregon is a place that inspires a sense of wonder and exploration.
John Muir in Travels in Alaska
Located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, Oregon's history is characterized by its Native American heritage, exploration by European traders and settlers, and its eventual admission to the Union in 1859 as the 33rd state. The Oregon Trail played a significant role in the mid-19th century westward expansion, as pioneers sought fertile lands and a better life. The state's economy grew through timber, fishing, and agriculture, with Portland emerging as a major port city. Oregon has been a focal point for environmental activism, exemplified by events like the 1970s battle over the protection of old-growth forests. Its diverse landscape, ranging from the rugged coastline to the Cascade mountain range and high desert areas, has contributed to its reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Brief timeline of the history of the state of Oregon:

  • 10,000 BCE: Paleo-Indian cultures inhabit the region, hunting and gathering along the Columbia River and its tributaries.
  • 1792: The British explorer Robert Gray becomes the first recorded European to sail into the Columbia River, claiming the area for the United States.
  • 1805-1806: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, explores the Oregon region, mapping the area and establishing relations with Native American tribes.
  • 1811: John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company establishes Fort Astoria, the first permanent European-American settlement in Oregon.
  • 1843: A group of pioneers, known as the "Great Migration of 1843," begins settling in the Willamette Valley, establishing the foundation for future settlements.
  • 1846: The Oregon Treaty is signed between the United States and Britain, establishing the 49th parallel as the northern border between the United States and Canada and giving the majority of Oregon to the United States.
  • 1859: Oregon becomes the 33rd state of the United States.
  • Late 19th century: The discovery of gold and other natural resources in Oregon attracts prospectors and settlers to the region.
  • 1887: The construction of the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company's railroad line connects Oregon to the transcontinental railroad network, boosting economic growth and facilitating transportation.
  • Early 20th century: The construction of hydroelectric dams, including the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, provides electricity and supports the development of industry and agriculture in Oregon.
  • 1937: The completion of the Historic Columbia River Highway, known for its scenic beauty and waterfalls, becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • 1971: The state of Oregon pioneers the Bottle Bill, becoming the first state in the United States to implement a bottle deposit system to encourage recycling.
  • 1994: Oregon legalizes physician-assisted suicide, known as the Death with Dignity Act, becoming the first state to do so.