Oregon
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Jeff Merkley (D) |
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Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of its eastern boundary with Idaho. The 42° north parallel delineates the southern boundary with California and Nevada.
Oregon has been home to many indigenous nations for thousands of years. The first European traders, explorers, and settlers began exploring what is now Oregon's Pacific coast in the early-mid 16th century. As early as 1564, the Spanish began sending vessels northeast from the Philippines, riding the Kuroshio Current in a sweeping circular route across the northern part of the Pacific. In 1592, Juan de Fuca undertook detailed mapping and studies of ocean currents in the Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon coast and the strait now bearing his name. Spanish ships – 250 in as many years – would typically not land before reaching Cape Mendocino in California, but some landed or wrecked in what is now Oregon. Nehalem tales recount strangers and the discovery of items like chunks of beeswax and a lidded silver vase, likely connected to the 1707 wreck of the San Francisco Xavier.
In 1843, an autonomous government was established in the Oregon Country, and the Oregon Territory was formed in 1848. Oregon became the 33rd state of the U.S. on February 14, 1859. Today, with a population of 4 million over an area of 98,000 square miles (250,000 km²), Oregon is the ninth largest and 27th most populous state in the U.S. The capital, Salem, is the second-most populous city in Oregon, with 169,798 residents. Portland, with 647,805 residents, ranks 26th among U.S. cities. The Portland metropolitan area, which also includes the city of Vancouver, Washington, to the north, is the 25th largest metro area in the nation, with a population of 2,453,168.
Oregon is one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S., characterized by volcanoes, abundant bodies of water, dense evergreen and mixed forests, as well as high deserts and semi-arid shrublands. At 11,249 feet (3,429 m), Mount Hood, a stratovolcano, is the highest point in the state. Oregon's only national park, Crater Lake National Park, includes the caldera surrounding Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. The state is also home to the single largest organism in the world, Armillaria ostoyae, a fungus that extends beneath 2,200 acres (8.9 km2) of the Malheur National Forest.
Due to its diverse landscapes and waterways, Oregon's economy is mainly driven by various forms of agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power. Additionally, Oregon is the top lumber producer in the contiguous United States, with the lumber industry playing a dominant role in the state's economy during the 20th century. Technology has also become one of Oregon's major economic forces, emerging in the 1970s with the establishment of Silicon Forest and the expansion of Tektronix and Intel. Sportswear company Nike, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, stands as the state's largest public corporation with an annual revenue of $30.6 billion.
Etymology
The earliest evidence of the name Oregon has Spanish origins. The term "orejón" (meaning "big ear") comes from the historical chronicle Relación de la Alta y Baja California (1598), written by Rodrigo Montezuma of New Spain; it made reference to the Columbia River when the Spanish explorers penetrated into the North American territory that became part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain. This chronicle is the first topographical and linguistic source with respect to the place name Oregon. There are also two other sources with Spanish origins, such as the word oregano, referring to a plant that grows in the southern part of the region. It is possible that the American territory was named by the Spaniards, as there is a stream in Spain called the "Arroyo del Oregón" (which is located in the province of Ciudad Real); it is also possible that the "j" in the Spanish phrase "El Orejón" was later corrupted into a "g", and in context might refer to the 'earful' of the massive Columbia River at its mouth.
Attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community in Oregon
Oregon is widely recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+ affirming states in the U.S., reflecting a blend of progressive public opinion, comprehensive legal protections, and active community support.
- Public Opinion
Oregonians have consistently demonstrated strong support for LGBTQ+ rights. According to a Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) survey, 63% of Oregon residents endorsed same-sex marriage, aligning with the broader trend of increasing acceptance in Western states.
- Legal Protections
Oregon has enacted robust legal measures to safeguard LGBTQ+ individuals:
- Nondiscrimination Laws: The Oregon Equality Act, effective since 2008, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
- Conversion Therapy Ban: The state has outlawed conversion therapy practices on minors, recognizing the harm such practices can cause.
- Comprehensive Coverage: All residents are fully protected under these laws, ensuring statewide consistency in upholding LGBTQ+ rights.
- Community and Advocacy
Oregon boasts a vibrant network of organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community:
- Basic Rights Oregon: This organization ensures equality for LGBTQ2SIA+ Oregonians through advocacy and public education.
- Q Center: Based in Portland, the Q Center provides a safe space and resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, fostering intersectional safety and mutual aid.
- TransPonder: In Eugene, TransPonder offers support and resources for the transgender and gender-diverse community, including educational programs and community events.
- Ongoing Challenges
While Oregon is progressive, challenges persist:
- Regional Variations: Acceptance levels can vary, with urban areas like Portland being more inclusive than some rural regions.
- Mental Health Support: Continued efforts are needed to address mental health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring accessible and affirming care statewide.
History of the Oregon Flag
The Oregon State Flag is unique in that it features a different design on the front and the back, both of which feature a gold imprint on a navy blue background. Blue and gold are the official colors of Oregon.
The front side of the flag features a shield depicting a scene with a horse-drawn wagon traversing the land among several trees. In the background, a body of water contains a boat, alongside mountains and the sun rising. At the bottom of the shield, the words, "The Union," are emblazoned. An eagle with its wings spread is perched atop the shield. Thirty-nine five-point gold stars are arranged around the outside of the shield, representing Oregon's status as the 39th State of the Union. Above the shield, the words, "State of Oregon," are emblazoned, and the year, "1859," is featured below the shield. 1859 is the year Oregon became a state.
The reverse side of the flag features a golden beaver, which is the state animal of Oregon.
The original Oregon State Flag was hand sewn by Marjorie Kennedy and Blanche Cox, employees at a Meier & Frank department store in Portland, Oregon in 1925. Meier & Frank were a very important part of Oregon's development, opening stores across the Pacific Northwest from 1857 onwards. There have been two attempts to change the flag's design, in 2009 and 2013. Both failed.
Oregon is the ninth largest state in the United States of America. It is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the country, bordered partly by the Columbia River to the north, the Snake River to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Across the Columbia River is Washington state, and across the Snake River is Idaho. Oregon borders California to the south and Nevada to the southeast. Its largest city is Portland, while its capital is Salem. Although it is one of the largest states in the USA, Oregon's population ranks only as the twenty-seventh largest in the Union. Most of its population resides in the greater Portland area, which is known for its unique way of life, embracing new technology with a light-hearted attitude. In much of the western part of the state, the logging industry dominates the economy.
The state of Oregon began as an autonomous region called Oregon Country in 1843. As the USA consolidated, it created the Oregon Territory in 1848, and Oregon gained statehood 11 years later. Oregon has vast natural resources, the most important of which are its forests. The logging industry has been central to Oregon's economy since the state's foundation. These immense forests represent just one part of Oregon's attractions for visitors. Oregon is home to a diverse range of natural features, including volcanoes, lakes, deserts, and shrublands.
External links
- Wikipedia article: Oregon
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