History of Oregon, USA

1819 - A treaty between the United States and Spain established the current southern border between Oregon and California. The treaty was signed in 1819.
In 1819, the United States and Spain signed the Adams-Onís Treaty, also known as the Transcontinental Treaty, which played a crucial role in defining the borders between the two nations in North America. The treaty was primarily negotiated by John Quincy Adams, the U.S. Secretary of State, and Luis de Onís, the Spanish minister. One of the key outcomes of the treaty was the establishment of the southern border between the U.S. territories of Oregon and California, which clarified the western boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase and delineated the limits of Spanish territory in North America.

The Adams-Onís Treaty also ceded Florida to the United States in exchange for the U.S. renouncing any claims to Texas, which was then part of Spanish Mexico. This agreement helped to reduce tensions between the two countries and paved the way for further expansion and settlement by the United States.
www.ereferencedesk.com/ resources/ state-facts/ oregon.html

1843 - First group of 900 emigrants arrived via Oregon Trail
In 1843, a pivotal moment in American westward expansion occurred with the arrival of the first large group of emigrants in Oregon via the Oregon Trail. This migration marked a significant chapter in the westward movement, as approximately 900 men, women, and children ventured across rugged terrain, facing numerous hardships and challenges along the way. Departing mainly from Missouri, these pioneers embarked on a journey spanning over 2,000 miles, navigating through prairies, mountains, and rivers, with the goal of settling in the fertile valleys of Oregon.

Led by pioneers such as Marcus Whitman and John Bidwell, the emigrants organized themselves into wagon trains to improve safety and efficiency during the arduous journey. The trail itself presented a formidable obstacle course, requiring careful navigation through steep mountain passes like the Blue Mountains and treacherous river crossings such as the Snake River. Despite these hardships, the promise of fertile land and new... Read MORE...

1859 - Oregon became 33rd state
In 1859, Oregon achieved a significant milestone in its history by becoming the 33rd state to join the United States. Situated in the Pacific Northwest region of the country, Oregon's path to statehood began with its settlement and development spurred by the Oregon Trail, which brought a wave of migrants seeking fertile land and new opportunities in the West. The region had initially been a territory controlled by both Britain and the United States until the Oregon Treaty of 1846 firmly established it as part of the U.S. territory.

1895 - Oregon
Oregon, or'e-gon, one of the Pacific states of the American Union, bounded N. by Washington, E. by Idaho, S. by Nevada and California, and W. by the Pacific Ocean. The northern border is washed by the Columbia River, except to the eastward of the point where that stream first reaches lat. 46° N., which parallel completes the northern limit of the state; on the E. the Snake River forms a portion of the boundary, while the southern limit is lat. 42° N. Area, 96,030 square miles...

Population.—A very large proportion of the early immigrants were from Missouri. Pop. in 1850, 13,294; in 1860, 52,465; in 1865, 65,090; in 1870, 90,923, of whom 3330 were Chinese. This was exclusive of tribal Indians, of whom in 1875 there were 3628 on reservations, besides some 2500 who were not settled. Pop. in 1875, 104,920, excluding Chinese and Indians. Pop. in 1880, 174,768; in 1890, 313,767. The Indians belong to a number of small tribes. The total Indian population in 1890 was 3708.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1903 - June 14 - The Heppner Disaster occurred in Oregon.
A cloudburst in the hills sent a flood down Willow Creek, and a twenty foot wall of water swept away a third of the town in minutes, killing 236 residents and causing 100 million dollars damage. WeatherForYou.com

On June 14, 1903, the small town of Heppner in eastern Oregon experienced a devastating flash flood known as the Heppner Disaster. Heavy rainfall in the surrounding Blue Mountains caused the normally calm Willow Creek to swell rapidly, breaching its banks and sending a wall of water cascading into the town. The suddenness and force of the flood caught residents by surprise, leading to widespread destruction.

Homes, businesses, and infrastructure were swept away, and the town was left in ruins. The exact death toll remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 200 to 300 people, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in Oregon's history.
June 14, 1903

1908 - Oregon limits the workday for women to 10 hours
– with the implication that women are too fragile to work much longer than that, or they are needed at home.
https://www.theguardian.com/money/us-money-blog/2014/aug/11/women-rights-money-timeline-history

1919 - February 25 - Oregon places a one cent per US gallon tax on gasoline, becoming the first U.S. state to levy a gasoline tax.
In February 1919, Oregon made history by becoming the first state in the United States to implement a gasoline tax. This landmark decision, effective at one cent per US gallon (equivalent to about 0.26 cents per liter), marked a significant shift in how states could generate revenue for infrastructure development. At the time, automobiles were becoming increasingly popular, and roads were often maintained by local jurisdictions, funded through property taxes or tolls. Oregon's pioneering move to tax gasoline aimed to create a dedicated fund specifically for road construction and maintenance, recognizing the growing need for better infrastructure to support the expanding network of motor vehicles.

The introduction of the gasoline tax in Oregon set a precedent that would soon be followed by other states across the nation. It not only provided a sustainable revenue stream for road improvements but also contributed to the standardization of state transportation funding models.
February 25, 1919

1933 - Tillamook Burn destroyed over 240,000 acres of forest
The Tillamook Burn of 1933 was a devastating wildfire that swept through the forests of northwest Oregon, particularly in the Tillamook region. It started in August and burned with intense ferocity, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds typical of the area. By the time it was contained, over 240,000 acres of dense timberland had been destroyed, leaving vast stretches of scorched earth in its wake. The economic impact was significant, as the timber industry in the region suffered massive losses, with centuries-old trees reduced to ashes.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ortimeln.htm

1950 - March 19 - Timberline Lodge reported 246 inches of snow on the ground, a record for the state of Oregon.

The Weather Channel
March 19, 1950

1962 - October 12 - The "Columbus Day Big Blow" occurred in the Pacific Northwest.
It was probably the most damaging windstorm of record west of the Cascade Mountains. Winds reached hurricane force, with gusts above 100 mph. More than 3.5 billion board feet of timber were blown down, and communications were severely disrupted due to downed power lines. The storm claimed 48 lives, and caused 210 million dollars damage.
WeatherForYou.com
October 12, 1962

1966 - Astoria Bridge completed linking Oregon and Washington
The completion of the Astoria Bridge in 1966 marked a significant milestone in the infrastructure of the Pacific Northwest, linking the cities of Astoria, Oregon, and Megler, Washington, across the Columbia River. Spanning a length of 4.1 miles (6.6 kilometers), this impressive steel cantilever bridge not only facilitated easier travel between the two states but also enhanced economic opportunities and tourism in the region. Prior to its construction, transportation between Astoria and Megler relied heavily on ferries, which were often subject to weather conditions and operational limitations.

The Astoria Bridge, also known as the Astoria-Megler Bridge, was celebrated for its engineering feat, overcoming the challenging geography of the Columbia River estuary. Its completion brought relief to locals who had long navigated the river's waters or taken lengthy detours to cross between Oregon and Washington.
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ ortimeln.htm

1975 - March 16 - A single storm brought 119 inches of snow to Crater Lake, O.R., establishing a state record.

The Weather Channel

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Oregon:
1. Crater Lake National Park: Crater Lake is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the United States. You can drive around the rim, hike the trails, or take a boat tour to experience the deep blue waters and Wizard Island.

2. Columbia River Gorge: This scenic area offers numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Don't miss Multnomah Falls and the historic Columbia River Highway.

3. Portland: Oregon's largest city, known for its quirky culture, vibrant arts scene, and diverse dining options. Explore the trendy neighborhoods, visit Powell's City of Books, and enjoy food carts and craft breweries.

4. Cannon Beach: Famous for its iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach is a picturesque coastal town. Stroll along the sandy shores, explore tide pools, and admire the art galleries in town.

5. Bend: A hub for outdoor enthusiasts, Bend offers world-class skiing at Mount Bachelor in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and river... Read MORE...