History of Oregon in Timeline

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, bordered by Washington to the north, Idaho to the east, California and Nevada to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Columbia River forms much of its northern border with Washington, and the Snake River delineates much of its eastern boundary with Idaho. Its southern boundary with California and Nevada is the 42° north parallel. It's located in the Western U.S.

1900: Population boom in Portland begins

Beginning in 1900, Portland experienced a significant population boom, tripling in size by 1930.

1902: Oregon introduces direct legislation

In 1902, Oregon introduced direct legislation by the state's citizens through initiatives and referendums, known as the Oregon System.

1902: Ballot measure creating initiative and referendum approved

In 1902, Oregon overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that created the initiative and referendum for citizens to introduce or approve proposed laws or amendments to the state constitution directly.

1902: Initiatives and Referendums Passed

Since 1902, Oregon's citizens have passed 99 of 288 initiatives and 25 of 61 referendums on the ballot, although some faced court challenges.

1904: Joaquin Miller's suggestion in Sunset magazine

In 1904, Joaquin Miller provided a suggestion regarding Oregon's history in Sunset magazine.

1904: Primary election adopted

In 1904, Oregon adopted the primary election to select party candidates.

1908: Oregon Constitution amended to include recall of public officials

In 1908, the Oregon Constitution was amended to include recall of public officials.

1910: Congressional Apportionment Increased

Following the census of 1910, Congressional apportionment increased the size of Oregon's delegation.

1913: Jack London Wrote 'Valley of the Moon'

In 1913, Jack London wrote his novel "Valley of the Moon" at the Wolf Creek Inn State Heritage Site in Southern Oregon.

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1930: Gray wolves extirpated from Oregon

Around 1930, Gray wolves were extirpated from Oregon but have since found their way back.

1930: Portland's population triples

By 1930, Portland's population had tripled from its size in 1900 due to industrial expansion.

February 10, 1933: Lowest temperature recorded at Seneca

On February 10, 1933, the lowest recorded temperature in Oregon of −54 °F (−48 °C) was set at Seneca.

1933: Construction of Bonneville Dam begins

In 1933, construction began on the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.

1937: Completion of Bonneville Dam construction

In 1937, construction was completed on the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.

1940: Congressional Apportionment Increased

Following the census of 1940, Congressional apportionment increased the size of Oregon's delegation.

1944: George R. Stewart's etymological theory

In 1944, George R. Stewart suggested in an American Speech article that the name "Oregon" resulted from an engraver's error on an 18th-century French map.

May 5, 1945: Japanese balloon bomb explosion on Gearhart Mountain

On May 5, 1945, a Japanese balloon bomb exploded on Gearhart Mountain near Bly, killing six civilians, making them the only known deaths on American soil attributed to enemy balloon bombs during World War II.

1951: Self-service gasoline banned in Oregon

In 1951, Oregon banned self-service gasoline, a ban that lasted until August 2023.

1970: Percentage of non-Hispanic Whites in Oregon's population

In 1970, non-Hispanic Whites comprised 95.8% of Oregon's total population.

1971: Oregon passes the Bottle Bill

In 1971, Oregon passed the Oregon Beverage Container Act of 1971, also known as the Bottle Bill, which was the first law of its kind in the United States to control litter by promoting recycling.

1973: Oregon affected by the 1973 oil crisis

During the 1970s, the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, was substantially affected by the 1973 oil crisis, leading to shortages.

1974: Intel Became a Top Employer in Oregon

Since 1974, Intel has been a top employer in Oregon, with the majority of its 22,000 employees located at the company's Hillsboro campus.

1977: Trail Blazers won the 1977 NBA Finals

The Portland Trail Blazers won the 1977 NBA Finals.

1979: Enactment of the "Kicker Law"

In 1979, Oregon enacted the "kicker law," stipulating that when income tax collections exceed state economists' estimates by two percent or more, any excess must be returned to taxpayers.

1980: Congressional Apportionment Increased

Following the 1980 census, Oregon had five congressional districts, an increase in its congressional apportionment.

1980: Mount St. Helens erupts

In 1980, Washington's Mount St. Helens erupted, an event visible from northern Oregon that affected some areas there.

1981: Experimentation with postal voting begins

In 1981, Oregon began experimenting with postal voting, approved by the Oregon Legislative Assembly.

1986: Democrats Elected as Governors

Since 1986, Oregon voters have elected Democratic governors in every election.

1988: Oregon Voted for the Democratic Presidential Candidate

Since 1988, Oregonians have voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election.

1989: Drop in timber harvest from federal lands begins

Between 1989 and 2011, the amount of timber harvested from federal lands in Oregon dropped about 90%.

1990: Passage of Measure 5

Since the 1990 passage of Measure 5, which set limits on property tax levels, Oregon has faced challenges in funding higher education.

1992: Trail Blazers reached the 1992 NBA Finals

The Portland Trail Blazers reached the 1992 NBA Finals.

1993: Sales Tax Proposal Defeated

In 1993, Oregon voters defeated Measure 1, a proposal for a sales tax, by a 75–25% margin, continuing the state's opposition to sales taxes.

1994: Oregon legalizes physician-assisted suicide

In 1994, Oregon became the first U.S. state to legalize physician-assisted suicide through the Oregon Death with Dignity Act.

1994: Oregon Health Plan adopted

In 1994, the Oregon Health Plan was adopted, providing health care to most citizens without private health insurance.

1998: All counties mandated to conduct elections by mail

In 1998, a ballot measure mandated that all counties in Oregon conduct elections by mail.

2000: Ballot Measure 86 Converted the "Kicker" Law

In 2000, Ballot Measure 86 converted the "kicker" law from statute to the Oregon Constitution, and changed some of its provisions.

2000: George W. Bush Carried Every County East of the Cascades

In 2000, George W. Bush carried every county east of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.

2000: Oregon's population in 2000

In 2000, the state's population was 3,421,399.

2001: Recession and Dot-Com Bust Impacted the Silicon Forest

In 2001, the recession and dot-com bust significantly impacted the Silicon Forest region, leading to employee reductions and business closures among high-technology employers.

January 2002: Weyerhaeuser Acquires Willamette Industries

In January 2002, Weyerhaeuser acquired Portland-based Willamette Industries, contributing to the decline of the timber industry in Oregon.

2002: Joey Harrington's "Orygun" sticker campaign

In 2002, after being drafted by the Detroit Lions, Joey Harrington distributed "Orygun" stickers to the media to remind them of the correct pronunciation of Oregon's name.

2002: Oregon Voters Approved Minimum Wage Increase

In the 2002 general election, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure to increase the state minimum wage automatically each year according to inflationary changes.

2003: Oregon's GDP and PCPI ranking in the U.S.

In 2003, Oregon was 28th in the U.S. by GDP and 31st by per capita personal income (PCPI).

2004: George W. Bush Carried Every County East of the Cascades and Democrats Won Control of State Senate

In 2004, George W. Bush carried every county east of the Cascade Mountains. In the same year Democrats won control of the State Senate.

2004: Open Source Development Labs Hired Linus Torvalds

In 2004, Open Source Development Labs made headlines by hiring Linus Torvalds, the developer of the Linux kernel.

2004: Measure 37 reflects backlash against land-use laws

In 2004, Oregon's Measure 37 reflected a backlash against existing land-use laws.

2004: Oregon Voters Banned Same-Sex Marriage

In the 2004 general election, Oregon voters passed ballot measures banning same-sex marriage and restricting land use regulation.

2005: Oregon Ranked 41st in Taxes Per Capita

In 2005, Oregon ranked 41st out of the 50 states in taxes per capita, with an average amount paid of $1,791.45, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

2005: Oregon's winery ranking in the U.S.

In 2005, Oregon ranked third among U.S. states with 303 wineries.

2005: Death with Dignity Act challenged in U.S. Supreme Court

In 2005, the Bush administration unsuccessfully challenged the Death with Dignity Act in a case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

2006: Democrats Won Control of the House

In 2006, Democrats won control of the Oregon House of Representatives.

2006: Oregon State won college baseball championship

In 2006, Oregon State won college baseball championship.

2006: Voters Restricted Eminent Domain

In the 2006 general election, Oregon voters restricted the use of eminent domain and extended the state's discount prescription drug coverage.

2007: Oregon State and University of Oregon won championships

In 2007, Oregon State won college baseball championship and the University of Oregon won NCAA men's cross country championship.

2007: Measure 49 curtailed many of the provisions of 37

In 2007, Oregon's Measure 49 curtailed many of the provisions of Measure 37.

2007: Legislation Funded the University System

In 2007, legislation funded the Oregon university system beyond the governor's requested budget, though still capping tuition increases at 3% per year.

2008: Gordon H. Smith Lost Senate Bid

In 2008, Republican Senate incumbent Gordon H. Smith lost his bid for a third term, even though he carried all but eight counties.

2008: Oregon tied for fifth place in percentage of non-religious residents

In 2008, the American Religious Identification Survey indicated that Oregon, tied with Nevada, ranked fifth among U.S. states with the highest percentage of residents identifying as "non-religious", at 24 percent.

2008: University of Oregon won NCAA men's cross country championship

In 2008, the University of Oregon won NCAA men's cross country championship.

2009: Oregon as one of the least religious states

According to a 2009 Gallup poll, Oregon was paired with Vermont as the two "least religious" states in the U.S.

2009: Foreign-born residents in Oregon

As of 2009, Oregon's population included 361,393 foreign-born residents, with the largest groups originating from Latin America, Asia, and Europe.

2009: Percentage of Oregonians identifying as Christian

In the 2009 Gallup poll, 69% of Oregonians identified as being Christian.

2009: Democratic U.S. Senators

Since 2009, the state has had two Democratic U.S. senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.

2010: Oregon's population determined by the U.S. census

According to the 2010 U.S census, Oregon's population was lower compared to the 2020 census.

2010: Oregon High School Graduation Rate

Based on the 2010 U.S. census, approximately 90.5% of Oregon high school students graduate, improving on the national average of 88.3%.

2010: Oregon ranked second-most popular moving destination

In 2010, Oregon was the second-most popular destination for movers in the United States.

2010: Genentech Opened a Facility in Hillsboro

In 2010, biotechnology giant Genentech opened a $400 million facility in Hillsboro to expand its production capabilities.

2010: Largest Christian denominations in Oregon

In 2010, the largest Christian denominations in Oregon were the Roman Catholic Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Assemblies of God.

2010: Timbers stadium repurposed into a soccer-specific stadium

In the fall of 2010, the Timbers repurposed the formerly multi-use stadium into a soccer-specific stadium, increasing the seating in the process.

2010: Oregon Initiative 71 Passed

Oregon Initiative 71, passed in 2010, mandates the legislature to begin meeting every year, for 160 days in odd-numbered years, and 35 days in even-numbered years.

2011: Demographic statistics of Oregon's children

As of 2011, 38.7% of Oregon's children under one year of age belonged to minority groups, and 22.6% of the state's total population was under the age of 18.

2011: Timber harvest from federal lands decreases significantly

By 2011, the amount of timber harvested from federal lands in Oregon had dropped about 90% compared to 1989.

2011: Amazon Opened a Datacenter Near Boardman

In 2011, Amazon opened a datacenter near Boardman, Oregon, taking advantage of cheap power and a conducive climate.

2011: Oregon Leads U.S. in Softwood Lumber Production

In 2011, Oregon led the U.S. in softwood lumber production with 4,134 million board feet produced, compared to 3,685 million board feet in Washington.

2011: Portland Trail Blazers were the only major professional sports team

Until 2011, the only major professional sports team in Oregon was the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association.

2012: Barack Obama won the state by a margin of twelve percentage points

In 2012, Barack Obama won the state of Oregon by a margin of twelve percentage points.

2012: Oregon ranked second-most popular moving destination

In 2012, Oregon was the second-most popular destination for movers in the United States.

2012: Oregon's GDP increase from 2012

Oregon's GDP in 2013 was a 2.7% increase from 2012.

2013: Wallowa Valley moose herd count

As of 2013, the Wallowa Valley moose herd numbered about 60.

2013: Oregon named 'Top Moving Destination'

In 2013, Oregon was named the 'Top Moving Destination' in the nation.

2013: Oregon's GDP and per capita personal income

In 2013, Oregon's gross domestic product (GDP) was $219.6 billion, and its per capita personal income (PCPI) was $39,848.

2013: Oregon winery growth compared to 2014

In 2014, the total number of Oregon wineries was a growth of 12% over 2013.

2013: Student Enrollment in Public Schools

In the 2013–2014 school year, the state of Oregon had 567,000 students enrolled in public schools.

2013: Thorns won inaugural league championship

In the inaugural 2013 season, the Portland Thorns won the league championship.

November 4, 2014: Oregon legalizes recreational marijuana

On November 4, 2014, Oregon approved a measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana, becoming the second state at the time to have legalized gay marriage, physician-assisted suicide, and recreational marijuana.

2014: Winery growth in Oregon

In 2014, 71 wineries opened in Oregon, bringing the total to 676, a 12% increase over 2013.

2014: Oregon named 'Top Moving Destination'

In 2014, Oregon was recognized as the nation's "Top Moving Destination," indicating significant population influx.

2014: OSU Had Largest Enrollment for Fall

In fall 2014, Oregon State University had the state's largest enrollment and is the state's highest ranking university according to Academic Ranking of World Universities, Washington Monthly, and QS World University Rankings.

2014: Student Enrollment in Public Schools

In the 2013–2014 school year, the state of Oregon had 567,000 students enrolled in public schools.

2015: Oregon's median household income ranking

As of 2015, Oregon ranked as the 17th highest in median household income at $60,834.

2015: Reed College Ranked by Forbes

In 2015, Forbes ranked Reed College, a liberal arts college in Portland, as the 52nd best college in the country.

2015: Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned

In 2015, Governor John Kitzhaber resigned amid allegations of influence peddling, and Secretary of State Kate Brown became governor.

September 2016: Oregon's unemployment rate

In September 2016, Oregon's unemployment rate was 5.5%, compared to the U.S. unemployment rate of 5.0% that month. Oregon also had the third largest amount of food stamp users in the nation, with 21% of the population.

2016: Hispanic or Latino population breakdown in Oregon according to American Community Survey

According to the 2016 American Community Survey, 12.4% of Oregon's population was of Hispanic or Latino origin: 10.4% Mexican, 0.3% Puerto Rican, 0.1% Cuban, and 1.5% other Hispanic or Latino origin.

2016: Kate Brown won a special election

In 2016, Kate Brown won a special election to retain her position as governor of Oregon.

2016: Blueberry production in the Willamette Valley

In 2016, the Willamette Valley region produced over 100 million pounds (45 kt) of blueberries.

2016: Largest School Districts in Oregon

In 2016, the largest school districts in Oregon were Portland Public Schools, Salem-Keizer School District, and Beaverton School District.

2016: Hillary Clinton won Oregon by 11 percentage points

In the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton won Oregon by 11 percentage points.

2017: Oregon's Biennial State Budget

In 2017, Oregon's biennial state budget amounted to $2.6 billion, comprising General Funds, Federal Funds, Lottery Funds, and Other Funds.

2017: Thorns won their second league championship

In 2017, the Portland Thorns won their second league championship.

2018: Cambia Health Solutions Had Highest Market Share

As of 2018, Cambia Health Solutions had the highest health insurance market share in Oregon at 21%, followed by Providence Health, with Kaiser Permanente leading in the Portland region.

2018: Amazon Opened a Fulfillment Center in Troutdale

In 2018, Amazon opened a fulfillment center in Troutdale, Oregon, further expanding its presence in the region.

2018: Kate Brown won a full four-year term

In 2018, Kate Brown won a full four-year term as governor of Oregon.

2018: Oregon State won their third college baseball championship

In 2018, Oregon State won their third college baseball championship.

2018: Oregon Implemented a Bicycle Tax

In 2018, Oregon implemented a $15 bicycle tax for each new bicycle over $200, becoming the only state in the nation with a bicycle excise tax.

2018: Top countries of origin for Oregon's immigrants

In 2018, the top countries of origin for Oregon's immigrants were Mexico, Vietnam, China, India, and the Philippines.

May 8, 2019: Educator Protests Across Oregon

On May 8, 2019, educators across Oregon protested to demand smaller class sizes, more support staff, and the restoration of art, music, and physical education classes, leading to the closure of approximately 600 schools across the state.

2020: Ethnic makeup of Oregon's population according to the 2020 census

According to the 2020 census, 13.9% of Oregon's population was of Hispanic or Latino origin, 71.7% non-Hispanic White, 2.0% African American, 1.5% Native American, 4.6% Asian, 1.5% Pacific Islander, and 10.5% two or more races.

2020: Population and gender statistics according to the 2020 census

According to the 2020 census, the population of Oregon was 4,237,256, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female; 20.5% of the population were under 18, 60.8% between 18 and 64, and 18.8% were 65 or older.

2020: Percentage of non-Hispanic Whites in Oregon's population

By 2020, non-Hispanic Whites had decreased to 71.7% of Oregon's total population, despite an increase in absolute numbers.

2020: Oregon Gained a Sixth Congressional Seat

Following the 2020 census, Oregon gained a sixth congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2020: Oregon Legalized Psilocybin for Medicinal Use

In 2020, Oregon approved a ballot measure to create a legal means of administering psilocybin for medicinal use, making it the first state in the country to legalize the drug.

2020: Oregon's population determined by the U.S. census

In 2020, the U.S. census determined that the population of Oregon was 4,237,256.

2020: Oregon ranked as easiest state to vote in

In a 2020 study, Oregon was ranked as the easiest state for citizens to vote in.

2020: Oregon cast seven votes in the U.S. Electoral College

In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Oregon cast seven votes in the Electoral College. Joe Biden won Oregon by 16 percentage points over Donald Trump.

2020: Oregon Decriminalized Possession of Small Quantities of Street Drugs

In the 2020 general election, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of street drugs such as cocaine and heroin, becoming the first state in the country to do so.

June 29, 2021: Highest temperature recorded at Pelton Dam

On June 29, 2021, Oregon's highest recorded temperature of 119 °F (48 °C) was reached at Pelton Dam, tying the previous records.

2021: Salem-Keizer Volcanoes not included in Minor League Baseball reorganization

In 2021, the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes were not included in the Minor League Baseball reorganization.

June 30, 2022: Emerald Ash Borer Infestation Found in Forest Grove

On June 30, 2022, the first emerald ash borer infestation in Western North America was discovered in Forest Grove, Oregon.

2022: Tina Kotek Elected Governor

In 2022, Tina Kotek was elected governor of Oregon.

2022: Thorns won their third league championship

In 2022, the Portland Thorns won their third league championship.

2022: Homeless population estimate by HUD

In 2022, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that there were 17,959 homeless people in Oregon.

2022: Congressional Seat Filled

In 2022, the sixth congressional seat gained after the 2020 census was filled in the Congressional Elections.

August 2023: Self-service gasoline becomes legal in Oregon

In August 2023, Oregon legalized self-service gasoline after a ban that had been in place since 1951, though gas stations are not required to offer it.

2023: U.S. House of Representatives

Since 2023, Oregon has been represented by four Democrats and two Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2024: Governor Kotek Signed a Bill Reversing Decriminalization

In 2024, Governor Kotek signed a bill reversing the decriminalization component of the 2020 ballot measure while also expanding funding for drug treatment.