Feb. 14 marks a special day for Oregonians as the state celebrates its 166th birthday. This year marks the 166th year anniversary of the state’s admission into the United States of America. From the dense forests of western Oregon to the desert terrain to the East, Oregonians everywhere will be celebrating the state’s birthday. Festivities are planned statewide to celebrate this milestone to honor our state’s history, culture, and beauty. 

The Wolf sat down with sophomore David Ortiz Baez to ask him what his favorite parts of Oregon are. 

“I love the parks here,” Ortiz Baez said. “The parks are kept really clean, which offers a great place to hang out with friends and family!” 

Ortiz Baez also enjoys “that the weather is interesting and diverse.”

Oregon’s journey to statehood was rough. The current state was a sought-after piece of land that was owned by five different countries: the United States, Russia, Great Britain, Spain and Mexico. Oregon’s population eventually soared into the hundreds of thousands as the Oregon Trail expanded, leading thousands of people from the East into the West. 

This eventually led to the creation of the Oregon territory, which included the states of Washington and Idaho, along with parts of Wyoming and Montana. Eventually, the population of Oregon grew, and so did the push for statehood, and on Feb. 14, 1859, Oregon officially became the 33rd state of the United States of America.

You can celebrate Oregon’s birthday in many places statewide by going on adventures like hiking or visiting local museums. In Portland, the Oregon Historical Society is showcasing an exhibit from the early days of Oregon, including parts of the Oregon Trail. Another way to celebrate is in Salem, where there is a reenactment of the statehood ceremony at the Capitol building. Be sure to celebrate our wonderful state and do something fun on Feb. 14th!