Welcome to Beaver State, where the coffee is strong, the beer is a craft, and the nature is breathtaking. Oregon is a state full of surprises and fascinating tales, from the home of the largest organism on Earth to the birthplace of Nike. Whether you’re a fan of the great outdoors, cuisine, or just quirky trivia, there’s something for everyone in Oregon. So, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s explore 20 amazing Oregon facts that will make you say, “Wow, that’s wild!”
1-5 Fun Facts About Oregon
1. Oregon is the 9th largest state in the US, with a land area of 98,381 mi² (254,806 km²). To put that into perspective, it’s slightly bigger than the UK.
2. The capital of Oregon is Salem, which is home to around 179,000 people.
3. Oregon’s state mottos are “She Flies With Her Own Wings” and “The Union,” reflecting the state’s independent spirit and its place as part of the United States.
4. If you’re looking for a new travel destination, Oregon’s tourism slogan might convince you to give it a try: “We Like It Here. You Might Too.”
5. Milk is Oregon’s official state beverage, joining over 20 other states in celebrating this refreshing drink.
1-5 Interesting Facts About Oregon
6. Oregon’s state flag is truly one-of-a-kind, featuring a different design on each of its sides.
7. If you’re a fan of exploring abandoned towns, Oregon is the place for you – it has 256 ghost towns, more than any other state in the US. These towns were often former lumber or mining communities from the pioneer era.
8. In 1984, an Oregon Rajneeshee cult orchestrated a bioterrorist attack by contaminating salad bars at local restaurants with salmonella to influence the election results in their favor. This attack was the first and the largest-bioterrorist attack in US history.
9. A bored woman in Oregon started a wildfire named the Sunnyside Turnoff wildfire to give some work to her firefighter friends. However, the fire grew out of control and eventually spread across 80 square miles, costing $8 million to contain and taking two months to bring under control.
10. The Scottish town of Dull became twins with Boring, Oregon in 2012, and in 2013, Bland, Australia joined them, forming the “Trinity of Tedium.”
Read More: 20 Fascinating Scotland Facts That Will Surprise You
11-15 Insane Facts About Oregon
11. The name “Portland” was chosen through a coin flip. If the coin had landed the other way, the city would have been known as Boston, Oregon.
12. Cascadia is a movement that aims to establish a new nation by merging British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, which would become the 20th largest country in the world.
13. Until 1926, it was illegal for black people to move to Oregon, which reflects the state’s troubled history of racial inequality.
14. Portland, Oregon is home to more strip clubs per capita than any other city in the United States, has the most microbreweries within its city limits than any other city in the world, and boasts the smallest city park in the world.
15. Oregon has more marijuana shops than Starbucks and McDonald’s combined, making it a popular destination for cannabis enthusiasts.
16-20 Weird Facts About Oregon
16. Only in Oregon can a citizen issue a traffic citation, provided they can identify the driver and are willing to testify in court.
17. In Myrtle Creek, Oregon, it is against the law to box with a kangaroo, while in Hood River, you need a license to juggle.
18. In Marion, walking backward while eating a donut is prohibited, and in Yamhill, practicing the “occult arts” is illegal. In Salem, it is not allowed to use a bean shooter or slingshot in public.
19. It is illegal to get married at an ice skating rink in Portland.
20. Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. that still has gas attendants who will fill up your car for you, with the other being New Jersey.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Awesome Oregon Facts For Students.
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