Introduction - Oregon
Oregon, known for its world renowned natural wonders, is located in the western region of the United States. It is bordered by the states of California, Nevada, Idaho and Washington as well as the Pacific Ocean to the west. What comes to the mind of many people when they think of Oregon is the famous Oregon Trail of the 1840s. This was a 2,000 mile (3219 kilometers) trail where American pioneers who were looking to migrate westward traveled. More information on the trail can be found in the interesting information below, written in a kid-friendly format. You'll also find lists of quick facts and historical facts about this state including when Oregon became a state and why Crater Lake is so famous.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about Oregon.
State of Oregon Quick Facts
- Oregon was the 33rd state to join the U.S.A.
- It officially became a state on (Valentine's Day) February 14, 1859.
- The state capital of Oregon is Salem.
- The largest city in Oregon is Portland.
- It is the 27th most populous state in the U.S. (source 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate).
- The population of Oregon is 3,930,065 (source 2013 United States Census Bureau estimate).
- The state flower of Oregon is the Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium).
- The nickname for Oregon is the Beaver State.
- Located in this state is Hells Canyon; at 7,993 feet (2,436 meters) deep it is the deepest river gorge in the United States.
- Residents of Oregon are referred to as Oregonians.
- There are several major bodies of water in this state. The major rivers include the John Day River, Willamette River, Columbia River, Deschutes, and the Snake River. The major lakes are the Upper Klamath Lake and Crater Lake.
- The state song of Oregon is simply named Oregon, My Oregon.
Oregon Interesting Facts
- Crater Lake is not only the deepest lake at 1,943 feet (592 meters) in the entire U.S., it is also known worldwide for its crystal blue waters. It was formed from a volcano over 7,000 years ago. The surrounding cliffs reach almost 2,000 feet (609 meters) high.
- Sisters and Brothers are the names of two cities in Oregon.
- There is no sales tax in this western region state.
- New Jersey and Oregon are the only states without self-serve gasoline stations.
- This state has more ghost towns than anywhere else in the U.S.
- Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, a canyon of the Columbia River, is known as one of the best places on earth to go windsurfing.
- The largest sea cave in the United States is located in Florence, Oregon. It is home to countless sea lions and other animals.
- The tallest peak in Oregon is Mount Hood which stands approximately 11,249 feet (3,429 meters) high.
- The only state that has an official state nut is Oregon. It is the Hazelnut.
Oregon Historical Facts
- The Oregon Trail, used by thousands of pioneers, miners, ranchers, farmers, and anyone looking to go west in the mid 1800's, was the longest route used to travel west and spanned several states.
- Oregon was the first U.S. state to hold primary elections in 1911.
- In 1942 a Japanese airplane firebombed Siskiyou National Forest in Oregon during World War II.