Factoids from a native: All about beautiful Oregon
Written: Aug 30 '06 (Updated Aug 30 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful state, lots of history and wonderful places to visit
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: I am very proud to have Oregon in my blood.
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| amelia_walpole's Full Review: Oregon |
The state of Oregon holds a special place in my heart. My mother moved to Winchester Bay from Wasco (California) as a teenager and lived in Oregon for many years after high school. She met father in Winchester Bay when he was a seaman stationed there in the Coast Guard. They got married in Arkansas, but returned to Oregon shortly after. I was later born back in Arkansas, but Mom and Dad just couldn’t stay away and returned to the Pacific Northwest when I was a baby. I spent most of my childhood there. I also went to junior high, high school, and college in Oregon. The state is one of the most beautiful. I don’t live there anymore, but I treasure Oregon as my home state. My boyfriend’s parents recently vacationed in Oregon and they raved about it. That’s understandable (wink). Oregon has it all: Natural beauty inland, gorgeous beaches on the coast, lots of history and culture, and many claims to fame. In case you’re planning a trip there, or are just curious about this unique state, I’d like to provide some information and interesting factoids about Oregon.
The History
Oregon’s earliest residents were Native Americans. Several areas in Oregon have been named for the Native American tribes that existed there, including the Chinook and Klamath. Famed explorers Captain Meriwether Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark saw the conclusion of their legendary Pacific Northwest expedition at Fort Clatsop, their encampment near present-day Astoria. The discovery of gold in the region lead to a boom in settlers during the mid-1800s, and we now know the famous travel route as the Oregon Trail. The Oregon Territory was recognized in 1848, and officially made a state in February of 1859. With the arrival of railroad travel in the 1880s, both industry and populace grew rapidly in the area.
Salem was declared the state capital in 1864.
Lumber became a big part of Oregon’s economy and still is today.
The name “Oregon” is shrouded in mystery. There are many odd sources that claim origin of the name, including a kind of fish grease traded by Native Americans and a typographical error on a 1700s French map.
Important Landmarks and Geography
The University of Oregon in Eugene (go Ducks!) and Oregon State University in Corvallis (go Beavers!) are the two biggest learning institutions in the state. UO is known for the arts and their nationally recognized law school (Knight Law Center). OSU is known for its progressive studies of agriculture. The University of Oregon is probably most famous as the campus where the hit comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House was filmed. If you drive down Franklin Boulevard, look to your right when you pass Sacred Heart Hospital and you’ll see the original Omega House and the lot where the Delta house once stood.
Canon Beach near Astoria is home to Haystack Rock, which is protected by marine garden status. You might remember this as the huge rock seen on the beach at the end of The Goonies. It is the 3rd largest coastal monolith in the world.
Astoria is also home to Fort Clatsop, which was the fort established by Lewis and Clark. The fort was reconstructed and is now part of a national park.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse on the Oregon coast is north of Florence. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States.
Also north of Florence is Sea Lion Caves. Visitors can go down into the caves and see the hundreds of sea lions that live there. It is the largest sea cave in the world.
Crater Lake in Midwestern Oregon contains world-famous crystal blue waters. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in North America.
The Oregon Caves National Monument is carved out of solid marble.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport was home for awhile to the late Keiko, the killer whale from the Free Willy movies. His huge tank is now a part of the Passages of the Deep exhibit.
Oregon is the only state to have an official nut. The Filbert is very popular. There is a Filbert Festival held once a year in Springfield.
More Claims to Fame- the Good and the Bad
Oregonians who went on to become national and international celebrities include Meredith Brooks (singer), Everclear (music group), Steve Prefontaine (track star), Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (music group), Doc Severinsen (band leader), Howard Hessman (actor), Ben Masters (actor), Matt Groening (animator and creator of The Simpsons), the late Margaux Hemingway (actress), Austin O’Brien (actor), Sally Struthers (actress), and the late River Phoenix (actor).
Actress and model Rebecca Schaeffer (who was also born in Oregon) was murdered by an obsessed fan on the morning of July 18th, 1989. Her death brought attention to the horrors of stalking, and laws were subsequently passed to protect private information.
The Nike “Swoosh” was designed by a UO art student in 1964. She was paid $35 for her design.
Oregon is only one of two states left that does not have self-serve fuel pumps (the other state is New Jersey).
Oregon is home to the world’s tallest barber pole.
Oregon is also home to the world’s shortest river (121 feet long).
In Oregon it is illegal to buy and sell marijuana, but it is not illegal to smoke it on your own property (Do I need to insert a disclaimer here?).
Oregon has been controversial state in terms of politics; two of the biggest issues in the state have been the Death with Dignity Act (euthanasia) and an act that allows adopted people to access to their full birth records- even those that were sealed for anonymity.
In 1998, Oregon became the latest state to experience a school shooting. The shooting happened at Thurston High School in Springfield on the morning of May 21st.
Oregon is a national treasure
I’m probably biased considering I grew up there. And every state has its beauty and unique qualities. But Oregon is very special for so many reasons. If you’re looking for a wonderful place to plan a vacation, consider Oregon. With gorgeous beaches, mild weather, and natural beauty (it’s always green there), you’re sure to have a fantastic time.
I hope you have enjoyed my Oregon tidbits. Thanks for reading.
All of the information in this essay came from my brain and was verified through Wikipedia. Everything here is in my own words and nothing has been copied from other sources.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
amelia_walpole
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Member: Alisha M
Location: Arkansas, USA
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
A touch of magic in a world obsessed with science.
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