Oregon

With the state motto of "She Flies With Her Own Wings," Oregon is a state of fascinating ideals and diverse locations. Like Washington, Oregon is geographically split into many different parts - the coast, Willamette Valley, Columbia Gorge, and large expanses of space, which make the Central, Eastern, and Southern parts of the state. Oregon has a very long and interesting history. Lewis and Clark explored the area in the early 1800's, taking in their first view of the Pacific Ocean from the shores of the Oregon Coast. They wintered near there, building Fort Clatsop, and spending the majority of the winter complaining bitterly about the weather. While the mission of Lewis and Clark was to explore the Louisiana Purchase and lay claim to any other territory they encountered, they also, inadvertently, opened Oregon up for settlements. This was an important step, for it later secured Oregon as one of the final destinations of one of the largest migrations in American History.

The first white settlers to the Oregon Territory were Marcus and Narcissa Whitman in 1836. Migration was kicked off in 1842 and would be followed for the next 25 years, as more than half a million people left their lives in the east and headed west. While Oregon lent its name to the infamous Oregon Trail, the Oregon Trail actually went many other places than the Willamette Valley. By the Oregon Trail, settlement was possible in Washington, Idaho, Utah, and California. By the end of the 1850's, Oregon and California were the two most popular destinations - Oregon for its farmland and California for its gold.

From the very beginning, Oregon has been a politically progressive state. Wanting control to make slavery illegal, the territory’s legislature fought bitterly for statehood. Finally granted in February 14, 1859, the ideals the state was built on continued. Known today as the only state in the Union with an assisted-suicide law, Oregon also has legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes and was the first state to require statewide voter registration. It was also the first state to elect their U.S. senators by popular vote. With an abundance of natural resources to protect, the environment is also an issue held closely to the hearts of many Oregonians.

Today, Oregon is economically average with the rest of the United States. With a mixed economy consisting of agriculture, forestry, fishing, and manufacturing, the recession of 2001 hit the state hard. Still trying to recover, unemployment and new job possibilities have been scarce in recent years. With a population of 3.5 million, Salem is the capital city and 2nd largest, behind Portland.

Oregon has something to offer everyone - from the liberated city of Portland, to the waters of Sun River, to the majestic viewings of the Oregon Coast. Other interesting sites, which are not as well known, include Crater Lake, a National Park, known for its water’s amazing blue color and the city of Ashland, the site of a very popular Shakespeare Festival held every summer.

Interesting facts:
State beverage: Milk
State fish: Chinook Salmon
State insect: Oregon Swallowtail
State nut: Hazelnut