Oregon
Oregon became a U.S. state on February 14 1859, as the 33th state. The first Europeans initially sailed in the area sometime in the late 17th Century.
In the 19th century, settlers began arriving to what was then Oregon Territory using the famous Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail peaked in the the 1850’s, after the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850 gave settlers the option of coming to Oregon and claiming free land. 320 acres could be claimed by any single adult person, and 640 acres could be claimed by a married couple. This act was the beginning of the history Oregon Territory as we know it today.
The largest cities in Oregon are Portland, Salem, Eugene, Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Medford, Bend and Springfield.
Notable
Location
Bordered to the north by Washington state to the east by Idaho, to the south by Nevada and California, and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, which produces the moderate climate of Oregon’s western lands.
Climate
Oregon’s climate is affected by regions of the Pacific Ocean, the shoreline, and the interior. Local conditions depend on factors such as distance from the coast, elevation, and terrain.
In January, normal daily mean temperatures range from more than 45°F (7°C) on the coast to between 25°F (–4°C) and 28°F (–2°C) in the southeast.
In July, the normal daily temperature is 65°F (18°C) and 70°F (21°C) in the plateau regions and central valleys, and for the eastern part between 70°F (21°C) and 78°F (26°C).
Capital
Salem
Population as of 2009
3,825,657 Ranked number 28 in the U.S.
Seats in the House of Representatives
5
Electoral College
7
Nick name
Beaver State
Flower
Oregon Grape
Bird
Western Meadowlark
Animal
Beaver
