National Oregon Day

Young couple hiking through a lush green forest in Oregon, wearing flannel shirts, beanies and hiking boots. Beautiful mountain scenery in the background.. — National oregon day illustration

Welcome to the wacky world of National Oregon Day! Prepare to be whisked away to a land of lush green forests, hipster coffee shops, and friendly residents who really know how to pronounce words like "Willamette." Whether you're a proud Oregonian or just feel a sudden urge to don a flannel shirt and embrace the great outdoors, this is the day for you. So buckle up and let's dive into the epic tale of National Oregon Day!

When is Oregon Day?

It's national oregon day on the 8th March.

The Birth of National Oregon Day

On this fateful day, which has been commemorated every year since its inception, we pay tribute to the beautiful state of Oregon. But how did this day come to be? Well, like any good origin story, it involves a bit of mystery and a whole lot of quirkiness.

Legend has it that National Oregon Day was the brainchild of a group of bearded lumberjacks sitting around a campfire, sipping on craft beers and sharing tales of their adventures. Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and unique culture the Beaver State had to offer, they decided to dedicate a day to celebrating everything Oregon.

But it wasn't just the lumberjacks who were smitten with Oregon's charms. Word quickly spread across the internet, with memes, hashtags, and viral videos fueling the fire. Before long, National Oregon Day became a force to be reckoned with, drawing in Oregonians and admirers from near and far to join in the festivities.

How to Celebrate National Oregon Day

Now that you know the fascinating story behind National Oregon Day, you're probably wondering how to celebrate this momentous occasion. Well, fear not, because we've got you covered with some delightful ideas:

Embark on a scenic hike through one of Oregon's many breathtaking trails.
Indulge your taste buds with some mouthwatering Voodoo Doughnuts or artisanal cheese from Tillamook.
Join a drum circle in Portland, because who doesn't love a good drum circle?
Take a road trip along Oregon's scenic coastline and bask in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Visit a local farmers market and stock up on farm-fresh produce.

Remember, the key to celebrating National Oregon Day is to embrace your inner hipster and go with the flow. Whether you're sipping on a craft beer or playing the ukulele in a quirky cafe, just let your Oregon flag fly high!

History behind the term 'Oregon'

1792

Captain Robert Gray discovers the Columbia River

In the year 1792, Captain Robert Gray, an American explorer, became the first recorded person to enter the Columbia River. He named the river after his ship, the Columbia Rediviva. This significant discovery opened up the Pacific Northwest region of North America to further exploration and settlement.

1811

John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company establishes Fort Astoria

In 1811, the American entrepreneur John Jacob Astor established Fort Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was the first permanent American settlement on the Pacific coast and served as a trading post for fur trappers. This marked the beginning of American interests in the region and paved the way for future American settlements.

1843

The term 'Oregon' is first associated with the region

In 1843, an organized large-scale migration to the Oregon Territory was initiated by a group of pioneers known as the "Oregon Emigrating Company." The term 'Oregon' started to become widely known and associated with the region due to the influx of settlers and the Oregon Trail. This migration played a significant role in popularizing the term.

1848

Oregon Territory is established

In 1848, following the Oregon Treaty between the United States and Great Britain, the Oregon Territory was officially established. The territory encompassed the present-day states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, along with parts of Montana and Wyoming. This formal recognition of the region as the Oregon Territory further solidified the association of the term 'Oregon' with the area.

1859

Oregon becomes the 33rd state of the United States

On February 14, 1859, Oregon officially became the 33rd state of the United States. The name 'Oregon' was chosen as the state's name, making it the first state in the U.S. to have a name of Native American origin. The term 'Oregon' now represented not only a region but also a state within the nation.

Did you know?

Did you know that Oregon is home to the largest living organism on Earth? The famous Armillaria solidipes, also known as the Humongous Fungus, spans over 2,200 acres in the Malheur National Forest. It's truly a fungi-tastic wonder!