Happy 167th Birthday, Oregon!
This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to celebrate the state we live in, as well as your loved ones. There are many reasons to love Oregon.
Oregon was inhabited by Native Americans for almost a millennium before colonists arrived. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Spanish explorer, was the first non-native to see Oregon in 1543. In 1778, a British captain traveled to the Oregon coast and traded with the Natives. In 1830, Methodist missionaries established the first churches and schools, creating an establishment for future settlers.
Oregon territory was created in 1848, after a treaty was signed in 1846. Pioneers began to arrive in Oregon in the 1840s and 1850s, using the Oregon Trail, which began as a simple footpath for furtraders. The Oregon Trail is a huge part of Oregon’s history, which established Oregon as a home of resilience and determination. However, parts of Oregon’s history aren’t as inspirational.
Originally, the state was intended to become an all-white state. While early leaders banned slavery, they also banned Freedmen from living inside the borders. The punishment for going against this law was a whipping every six months until the person left.
In the 1920s, Oregon was the state with the highest number of KKK members.
Today, Oregon has changed from a state known for racism and restrictive laws to containing a diverse population, with laws working to protect its residents.
Apart from Oregon’s history, which was influenced by the people who lived in the state, Oregon is a very beautiful place with rich wildlife.
Oregon boasts the most geographically diverse landscape in the US, with large bodies of water, lush forests and vast deserts. Nearly half of our state is forested, much of it being made up of Douglas fir trees. We have hundreds of miles of rivers, and we hold the deepest lake in the United States: Crater Lake. We are known for our sea lions, crabs, deer and bears. As a state, we focus on conservation because much of our animal population is harmed by the increasing temperature.
Additionally, we are recognized for our largest city, Portland, which is famous for its distinct culture, art and progressive politics. Portland is dubbed “City of Roses” for the tradition of growing roses and our annual Rose Festival, which began in 1907. Portland is also known for its urban innovation. Portland is regarded as one of the most bike-friendly cities, and we are a very green state, even in urban areas.
Jackson Hale, a junior at Tualatin High School, said she loves Oregon because she’s able to be outside a lot and for the summer rodeo season.
Isabel Thiel, a sophomore, explained she liked Oregon for its hiking trails and wildlife.
This Valentine’s Day, appreciate the state you live in for its lush wildlife, culture, history and the invention of the maraschino cherry.
