Oregon is often known as the 'Beaver State' and is celebrated for its incredible natural beauty, from the lush, moist rainforests and towering mountains in the west to the stark, arid deserts in the east. But recently, Oregon has been celebrating one of its own: Sally Golden, a special education teacher from Springfield who was just named the state's Teacher of the Year!
This award-winning educator, who helps students ages 18 to 21 with disabilities, perfectly embodies the passion and dedication found throughout this vibrant state, which was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state in 1859.
With an estimated population of over 4.2 million, Oregon continues to grow and evolve, blending its dramatic landscapes, like the majestic Cascade Range and serene Crater Lake National Park, with a focus on its people and a growing high-tech sector.
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What is special about the Oregon flag?
Oregon has a unique flag that is the only state flag in the U.S. with different designs on its front and back. The front features a golden shield with a wagon train, the Pacific Ocean, a departing British ship, and an arriving American ship, all representing the state's spirit and history.
Above the shield is an American eagle clutching a ribbon inscribed "STATE OF OREGON," while below it, the date "1859" signifies its admission to the Union. Encircling the design are 33 stars, representing Oregon as the 33rd state.
Source: wikimedia.org
On the reverse side, you'll find a golden beaver, the state animal, symbolizing Oregon's historical fur trade and its industrious nature.
Source: wikimedia.org
Oregon Map with Cities
Oregon is situated in the northwestern part of the United States. It shares its northern border with Washington state, with the Columbia River forming a significant part of this boundary. To its east lies Idaho, primarily separated by the winding Snake River and the impressive Hells Canyon.
South of Oregon, you'll find Nevada and California, with which it shares mountain and desert systems. Finally, to the west, the vast Pacific Ocean defines its coastline and contributes to its mild climate.
Source: worldatlas.com
What is the capital of Oregon?
The capital of Oregon is Salem, a city nestled in the heart of the beautiful Willamette Valley. It's not as big or famous as Portland, but it serves as the center for the state government, where the Oregon State Capitol building, topped with a distinctive gold-plated statue of a pioneer, stands tall.
Salem lies right along the Willamette River and is surrounded by some of the world's most fertile farmland, which is why it was once nicknamed the "Cherry City" for its excellent cherry harvests.
What is the geography like in Oregon?
Oregon has an incredibly varied geography. If you look at the state, it's divided by a huge, north-to-south running line of volcanic mountains called the Cascade Range. Everything to the west of these mountains is wet, green, and lush. This is where you find the rugged Oregon Coast, the low Coast Range, and the highly fertile Willamette Valley, where most people live.
However, everything to the east of the tall, snow-capped Cascades is much drier and is mostly a vast high desert plateau with rolling hills, canyons, and less rain. So, in Oregon, you can see a damp, rocky ocean shore, a green farming valley, and a dry, open desert all in one day
Oregon History Facts
Oregon's history started with different Native American groups surviving on hunting, fishing, and agriculture. European explorers arrived in the mid-16th century, with American claims solidified by Robert Gray's Columbia River discovery in 1792 and the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805.
John Jacob Astor established the first permanent settlement at Astoria in 1811.
The 1840s saw mass migration via the Oregon Trail, leading to the formation of a provisional government in 1843. In 1846, after border disputes with Britain, Oregon became a U.S. territory with the 49th parallel as its northern boundary, and then on February 14, 1859, Oregon joined the Union as the 33rd state.
10 Interesting Facts About Oregon
Here are some quick facts about Oregon:
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Capital: Salem
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Population (2024 est.): 4,272,371
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Date of Admission to the Union: February 14, 1859 (33rd state)
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Area: 98,379 square miles (254,800 square km)
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Governor: Tina Kotek (Democrat)
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U.S. Senators: Ron Wyden (Democrat) and Jeff Merkley (Democrat)
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State Bird: Western meadowlark
Source: wikimedia.org
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State Flower: Oregon grape
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Highest Peak: Mount Hood (11,239 feet or 3,426 meters)
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Oregon is a leading producer of softwood lumber and wood products in the U.S.
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Does Oregon have good education?
The current state of education in Oregon is often described as a mix of high dedication and ongoing challenges. While the state has many excellent schools and committed educators, like the recently named Teacher of the Year, Sally Golden, the system's performance often lands near the bottom when compared to other states.
Standardized test scores for students in core subjects like math and reading are frequently below the national average, a problem that has been made worse by issues like high rates of students being absent from school.
However, the special recognition given to Sally Golden, who works with students with disabilities and is celebrated for her profound impact, is a bright spot, demonstrating that Oregon's classrooms are still filled with passionate teachers trying to make a major difference in their students' lives.
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