History of Oregon in Timeline
Oregon, a state in the Pacific Northwest, is part of the Western U.S. Its boundaries are largely defined by natural features: the Columbia River forms much of the northern border with Washington, the Snake River the eastern border with Idaho, and the 42° north parallel the southern border with California and Nevada. The Pacific Ocean constitutes its western border.
1 day ago : Oregon Lottery Considers New Courier Rules Amidst Bulk Buying Concerns and Opposition.
The Oregon Lottery Commission is evaluating new rules for lottery couriers. This consideration arises from concerns and opposition to bulk buying of lottery tickets, as highlighted by a WLA policy paper. The proposed rules aim to regulate courier services within the Oregon Lottery.
1900: Population boom in Portland
Around 1900, Portland experienced a population boom, tripling in size.
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 approved creating initiative and referendum
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, making Oregon the first state to adopt such a system.
1902: Ballot measures in Oregon
Since 1902, the people have passed 99 of the 288 initiatives and 25 of the 61 referendums on the ballot in Oregon.
1904: Joaquin Miller's suggestion in Sunset magazine
In 1904, Joaquin Miller wrote a suggestion in Sunset magazine.
1904: Primary election adopted
In 1904, the primary election to select party candidates was adopted in Oregon.
1908: Oregon Constitution amended to include recall of public officials
In 1908, the Oregon Constitution was amended to include recall of public officials.
1910: Increased Congressional Apportionment
Congressional apportionment increased the size of Oregon's delegation following the census of 1910.
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.
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 in size since 1900.
February 10, 1933: Lowest recorded temperature at Seneca
On February 10, 1933, the lowest recorded temperature in Oregon was set at Seneca: −54 °F (−48 °C).
1933: Construction of the Bonneville Dam began
In 1933, construction of the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River began.
1937: Construction of the Bonneville Dam completed
In 1937, construction of the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River was completed.
1940: Increased Congressional Apportionment
Congressional apportionment increased the size of Oregon's delegation following the census of 1940.
1944: George R. Stewart's "Ouaricon" theory in American Speech
In 1944, George R. Stewart proposed in an article in American Speech that the name Oregon came from an engraver's error on a French map where the Wisconsin River was mislabeled as "Ouaricon".
May 5, 1945: Japanese balloon bomb kills six civilians
On May 5, 1945, six civilians were killed by a Japanese balloon bomb that exploded on Gearhart Mountain near Bly, becoming the only people on American soil whose deaths were attributed to an enemy balloon bomb explosion during World War II.
1951: Self-service gasoline banned in Oregon
Self service gasoline was banned in Oregon from 1951 until August 2023.
1970: Non-Hispanic Whites constituted 95.8% of the total population
In 1970, non-Hispanic Whites constituted 95.8% of the total population.
1971: Oregon passes the Bottle Bill
In 1971, the Oregon Beverage Container Act of 1971, popularly called the Bottle Bill, became the first law of its kind in the United States to control litter and promote recycling.
1973: Pacific Northwest affected by oil crisis
During the 1970s, the Pacific Northwest was particularly affected by the 1973 oil crisis, with Oregon suffering a substantial shortage.
1974: Intel Top Employer
Since 1974, Intel has been a top employer in Oregon.
1977: Trail Blazers won the NBA Finals
The Portland Trail Blazers won the 1977 NBA Finals behind star Bill Walton.
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: Five Congressional Districts
Following the 1980 census, Oregon had five congressional districts.
1980: Mount St. Helens eruption
In 1980, Washington's Mount St. Helens erupted, an event visible from northern Oregon and affecting some areas there.
1981: Experimentation approved by the Oregon Legislative Assembly in 1981
Oregon pioneered the American use of postal voting, beginning with experimentation approved by the Oregon Legislative Assembly in 1981.
1986: Democratic Governors
Oregon voters have elected Democratic governors in every election since 1986.
1988: Democratic Presidential Candidate
Since 1988, Oregonians have voted for the Democratic presidential candidate in every election.
1989: Reduction in timber harvested from federal lands
Between 1989 and 2011, the amount of timber harvested from federal lands in Oregon dropped about 90%, although harvest levels on private land have remained relatively constant.
1990: Passage of Measure 5
Following the 1990 passage of Measure 5, which set limits on property tax levels, Oregon has struggled to fund higher education.
1992: Trail Blazers reached the NBA Finals
The Portland Trail Blazers reached the 1992 NBA Finals with star Clyde Drexler.
1993: Measure 1 Defeated
In 1993, Oregon voters defeated Measure 1, a sales tax proposal, by a 75–25% margin.
1994: Oregon Health Plan adopted
In 1994, Oregon adopted the Oregon Health Plan, which made health care available to most of its citizens without private health insurance.
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.
1998: Ballot measure mandating that all counties conduct elections by mail
In 1998, a ballot measure in Oregon mandated that all counties conduct elections by mail.
2000: Ballot Measure 86 Passed
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 Eastern Oregon
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
In 2001, the recession and dot-com bust severely impacted the Silicon Forest region of Oregon, leading to layoffs and business closures in the high-tech sector.
January 2002: Weyerhaeuser's acquisition of Willamette Industries
In January 2002, Weyerhaeuser acquired Portland-based Willamette Industries, contributing to the decline of the timber industry in Oregon.
2002: Joey Harrington distributes "Orygun" stickers
In 2002, after being drafted by the Detroit Lions, Joey Harrington distributed "Orygun" stickers to members of the media to remind them how to pronounce the name of his home state. The stickers are sold by the University of Oregon Bookstore.
2002: Minimum Wage Increase Approved
In the 2002 general election, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure to increase the state minimum wage automatically each year according to inflationary changes, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI).
2004: Measure 37 reflects a backlash against such land-use laws
2004's Measure 37 in Oregon reflects a backlash against such land-use laws.
2004: Democrats Win State Senate
In 2004, Democrats won control of the State Senate in Oregon.
2004: Linus Torvalds Hired
In 2004, Open Source Development Labs made news by hiring Linus Torvalds, the developer of the Linux kernel.
2004: Ballot Measures Passed
In the 2004 general election, Oregon voters passed ballot measures banning same-sex marriage and restricting land use regulation.
2005: Oregon Taxes Per Capita
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2005 Oregon ranked 41st out of the 50 states in taxes per capita, with an average amount paid of $1,791.45.
2005: Oregon ranked third among U.S. states with wineries
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 nation's first doctor-assisted suicide law, called the Death with Dignity Act, in a case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.
2006: Democrats Won House
In 2006, Democrats won control of the House in Oregon.
2006: Voters Restricted Use of Eminent Domain
In the 2006 general election, Oregon voters restricted the use of eminent domain and extended the state's discount prescription drug coverage.
2006: Oregon State won college baseball championship
Oregon State Beavers won college baseball championships in 2006.
2007: Measure 49 curtailed many of the provisions of 37
In 2007, Measure 49 curtailed many of the provisions of Measure 37 in Oregon.
2007: Oregon State won back-to-back college baseball championships
In 2007, Oregon State won back-to-back college baseball championships and the University of Oregon won back-to-back NCAA men's cross country championships.
2007: Higher Education Funding
In 2007, legislation funded the university system in Oregon far beyond the governor's requested budget, though still capping tuition increases at 3% per year.
2008: University of Oregon won back-to-back NCAA men's cross country championships
In 2008 The University of Oregon won back-to-back NCAA men's cross country championships.
2008: Political Polarization Analysis
In a 2008 analysis of the 2004 presidential election, Oregon was found to be the most politically polarized state in the country.
2008: Oregon tied for fifth place in percentage of non-religious residents
The 2008 American Religious Identification Survey placed Oregon as tied with Nevada in fifth place of U.S. states having the highest percentage of residents identifying themselves as "non-religious", at 24 percent.
2009: Oregon's foreign-born residents in 2009
As of 2009, Oregon's population comprised 361,393 foreign-born residents.
2009: Percentage of Oregonians identifying as Christian
In the same 2009 Gallup poll, 69% of Oregonians identified themselves as being Christian.
2009: Oregon cited as one of the "least religious" states
Oregon has frequently been cited by statistical agencies for having a smaller percentage of religious communities than other U.S. states. According to a 2009 Gallup poll, Oregon was paired with Vermont as the two "least religious" states in the U.S.
2009: Democratic U.S. Senators
Since 2009, Oregon has had two Democratic U.S. senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley.
2010: U.S. census before Oregon population increase
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Oregon's population increased 10.60% over the 2010 census figures.
2010: High School Graduation Rate
As measured from the 2010 U.S. census, approximately 90.5% of Oregon high school students graduate.
2010: Oregon was the second-most popular moving destination
In 2010, Oregon was the second-most popular moving destination.
2010: Genentech Expansion and Facebook Datacenter
In 2010, biotechnology giant Genentech opened a $400 million facility in Hillsboro to expand its production capabilities, and Facebook built a large datacenter near Prineville, Oregon.
2010: Largest Christian denominations in Oregon
In 2010, the largest Christian denominations in Oregon by number of adherents were the Roman Catholic Church with 398,738; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 147,965; and the Assemblies of God with 45,492.
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.
2010: Timbers repurposed the stadium into a soccer-specific stadium
The Portland Timbers repurposed the formerly multi-use stadium into a soccer-specific stadium in fall 2010, increasing the seating in the process.
2011: Minority children under one year of age
As of 2011, 38.7% of Oregon's children under one year of age belonged to minority groups, meaning they had at least one parent who was not a non-Hispanic White.
2011: Amount of timber harvested from federal lands dropped
Between 1989 and 2011, the amount of timber harvested from federal lands in Oregon dropped about 90%, although harvest levels on private land have remained relatively constant.
2011: Amazon Datacenter Opened
In 2011, Amazon opened a datacenter near Boardman, Oregon, expanding its presence in the state.
2011: Softwood Lumber Production
In 2011, Oregon led the U.S. in softwood lumber production, producing 4,134 million board feet.
2011: Portland Trail Blazers were the only major professional sports team in Oregon
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
Democratic incumbent Barack Obama won Oregon by a margin of twelve percentage points, with over 54% of the popular vote in 2012.
2012: Oregon was the second-most popular moving destination
In 2012, Oregon was the second-most popular moving destination.
2012: Increase in Oregon's GDP
In 2013, Oregon's gross domestic product (GDP) increased 2.7% from 2012.
2013: Wallowa Valley moose herd numbered about 60
As of 2013, the moose herd in the Wallowa Valley numbered about 60.
2013: Public School Enrollment
In the 2013–2014 school year, Oregon had 567,000 students in public schools.
2013: Oregon named top moving destination
Oregon was the top moving destination in 2013.
2013: Portland Thorns FC inaugural season
The Portland Thorns FC played in the National Women's Soccer League since the league's first season in 2013. The Thorns also won the league championships in their inaugural season.
2013: Oregon's gross domestic product (GDP)
The gross domestic product (GDP) of Oregon in 2013 was $219.6 billion, a 2.7% increase from 2012.
2013: Growth of wineries
The total number of wineries in 2014 is 676, which represents a growth of 12% over 2013.
November 4, 2014: Oregon approves recreational marijuana legalization
On November 4, 2014, a measure to legalize recreational use of marijuana in Oregon was approved, making Oregon only the second state at the time to have legalized gay marriage, physician-assisted suicide, and recreational marijuana.
2014: Wineries opened in the state
In 2014, 71 wineries opened in the state.
2014: Oregon named nation's "Top Moving Destination"
In 2014, Oregon was the nation's "Top Moving Destination", with two families moving into the state for every one moving out (66.4% to 33.6%).
2014: OSU Largest Enrollment
In fall 2014, Oregon State University (OSU) had the state's largest enrollment.
2015: Oregon's median household income rank
As of 2015, Oregon ranks as the 17th highest in median household income at $60,834.
2015: Reed College Ranking
In 2015, Forbes ranked Reed College as the 52nd best college in the country.
2015: Gov. John Kitzhaber resigned
In 2015, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber resigned amid allegations of influence peddling, and Secretary of State Kate Brown became governor.
September 2016: Oregon's unemployment rate
Oregon's unemployment rate was 5.5% in September 2016, while the U.S. unemployment rate was 5.0% that month.
2016: Hispanic or Latino population in 2016
According to the 2016 American Community Survey, 12.4% of Oregon's population were of Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race): Mexican (10.4%), Puerto Rican (0.3%), Cuban (0.1%), and other Hispanic or Latino origin (1.5%).
2016: Blueberry production in Willamette Valley
In 2016, the Willamette Valley region produced over 100 million pounds (45 kt) of blueberries.
2016: Largest School Districts
In 2016, the largest school districts in Oregon were Portland Public Schools, Salem-Keizer School District, Beaverton School District, Hillsboro School District, and North Clackamas School District.
2016: Hillary Clinton won Oregon by 11 percentage points
In the 2016 election, Hillary Clinton won Oregon by 11 percentage points.
2016: Kate Brown won a special election
Kate Brown won a special election in 2016 to retain the Oregon governor position.
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 second league championship
In 2017, the Portland Thorns won a second league championship.
2018: Health Insurance Market Share
As of 2018, Cambia Health Solutions had the highest health insurance market share in Oregon at 21%, followed by Providence Health.
2018: Amazon Fulfillment Center Opened
In 2018, Amazon opened a fulfillment center in Troutdale, Oregon.
2018: Kate Brown won a full four-year term
In 2018, Kate Brown won a full four-year term as Oregon governor.
2018: Oregon State won a third college baseball championship
Oregon State won a third college baseball championship in 2018.
2018: Bicycle Tax
Since 2018, Oregon has had a $15 bicycle tax for each new bicycle over $200.
May 8, 2019: Educator Protests
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, causing two dozen school districts to close.
2020: Ethnic composition of Oregon in 2020
According to the 2020 census, 13.9% of Oregon's population was of Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) and 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: Oregon's population makeup according to the 2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the population of Oregon was 4,237,256. The gender makeup of the state was 49.5% male and 50.5% female. 20.5% of the population were under the age of 18; 60.8% were between the ages of 18 and 64; and 18.8% were 65 years of age or older.
2020: Oregon gained a sixth congressional seat
Following the 2020 census, Oregon gained a sixth congressional seat.
2020: Legal Means of Administering Psilocybin Approved
In 2020, Oregon voters 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: Non-Hispanic Whites decreased to 71.7% of the total population
In 2020, the state's most populous ethnic group, non-Hispanic Whites, decreased from 95.8% of the total population in 1970 to 71.7% in 2020, though it increased in absolute numbers.
2020: Oregon ranked as the easiest state for citizens to vote in
In a 2020 study, Oregon was ranked as the easiest state for citizens to vote in.
2020: Drug Decriminalization Approved
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.
2020: Oregon cast seven votes in the U.S. Electoral College
In the 2020 presidential election, Oregon cast seven votes through the U.S. Electoral College. Joe Biden won Oregon by 16 percentage points over his opponent, Donald Trump.
2020: U.S. census shows Oregon population increase
The 2020 U.S. census determined that the population of Oregon was 4,237,256 in 2020, a 10.60% increase over the 2010 census.
June 29, 2021: Highest recorded temperature tied at Pelton Dam
On June 29, 2021, Oregon's highest recorded temperature of 119 °F (48 °C) was tied at Pelton Dam.
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. The Volcanoes ownership later formed the amateur Mavericks Independent Baseball League, which is fully based in Salem.
June 30, 2022: Emerald Ash Borer Infestation Found
On June 30, 2022, the first emerald ash borer infestation in Western North America was discovered in Forest Grove, Oregon.
2022: Estimated homeless population in Oregon
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 17,959 homeless people in Oregon.
2022: Sixth Congressional Seat Filled
In 2022, Oregon's sixth congressional seat was filled in the Congressional Elections.
2022: Tina Kotek Elected Governor
In 2022, Tina Kotek was elected governor of Oregon.
2022: Thorns won third league championship
In 2022, the Portland Thorns won their third league championship.
August 2023: Self-service gasoline ban lifted in Oregon
In August 2023, the ban on self-service gasoline in Oregon, which had been in place since 1951, was lifted, though gas stations are not required to offer it.
2023: U.S. House Representation
Since 2023, Oregon has been represented by four Democrats and two Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.
2024: Bill signed reversing the decriminalization
In 2024, Governor Kotek signed a bill reversing the decriminalization component of the ballot measure while also expanding funding for drug treatment.
2024: Oregon will cast eight votes in the election
Under the Electoral College formula, Oregon will cast eight votes in the 2024 election.
2026: Portland Fire of the WBNA to begin play
In 2026, a fourth major professional team, the Portland Fire of the WBNA, will begin play in the state of Oregon.
2030: Projected population of Oregon in 2030
Projections from the U.S. Census Bureau show Oregon's population increasing to 4,833,918 by 2030.
2040: Projected population of Oregon in 2040
The state's own projections forecast a total population of 5,425,408 in 2040.
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