OREGON

Beaver State

Origin of state's name: Origin and meaning of name unknown, may have been derived from that of the Wisconsin River shown on a 1715 French map as "Ouaricon-sint."

The flag of Oregon is the only state flag with different pictures on each side. On the reverse appears a beaver the state animal. Both sides have a field of navy blue with design in gold. The front picture includes a heart shaped shield with an eagle on top, surronded by thirty-three stars. ( The number of states in 1859. ) The scene on the shield shows the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, mountains, forests and a covered wagon. A plow, wheat and pickax represent farming and mining. Of the two ships: The one leaving is a British ship and the one arriving is a United States ship representing trade. The eagle represents the United States. On a banner are the words "The Union" representing support for the United States. Finally the flag is emblazoned with the words "State of Oregon" above the picture and the date of statehood "1859" below.

The state seal consists of an escutcheon, or shield, supported by 33 stars and divided by an ordinary, or ribbon, with the inscription "The Union." Above the ordinary are the mountains and forests of Oregon, an elk with branching antlers, a covered wagon and ox team, the Pacific Ocean with setting sun, a departing British man-of-war signifying the departure of British influence in the region and an arriving American merchant ship signifying the rise of American power. Below the ordinary is a quartering with a sheaf of wheat, plow and pickax, which represent Oregon's mining and agricultural resources. The crest is the American Eagle. Around the perimeter of the seal is the legend "State of Oregon 1859."

Entered Union: February 14, 1859; 33rd State
Capital: Salem
Motto: She flies with her own wings
Flower: Oregon grape
Bird: Western meadowlark
Tree: Douglas fir
Song: Oregon, My Oregon
Words by J.A. Buchanan, Music by Henry B. Murtagh
Land of the Empire Builders, Land of the Golden West; Conquered and held by free men, Fairest and the best. On-ward and upward ever, Forward and on, and on; Hail to thee, Land of the Heroes, My Oregon.
Land of the rose and sunshine, Land of the summer's breeze; Laden with health and vigor, Fresh from the western seas. Blest by the blood of martyrs, Land of the setting sun; Hail to thee, Land of Promise, My Oregon.

A LITTLE HISTORY
American Captain Robert Gray sighted and sailed into the Columbia River in 1792. Lewis and Clark traveling overland, wintered at its mouth in 1805-1806. Fur traders followed. Settlers arrived in the Willamette Valley in 1834. In 1843 the first large wave of settlers arrived via the Oregon Trail. Early in the 20th centurey, the 'Oregon System'-political reforms that included the initiative, referendum, recall, direct primary, and woman suffrage-was adopted.

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FACTS AND TRIVIA ABOUT OREGON
Oregon's highest point is Mount Hood.

In agriculture, the state leads in growing peppermint, cover seed crops, blackberries, boysenberries, loganberries, black raspberries, and hazelnuts.

Oregon has the only nickel smelter in the United States.

Two mammals are unique to Oregon - the Camas pocket gopher and the Ashland shrew.

Columbia River, which forms 3/4ths of the northern boundary of the state, was first explored by an American, Robert Gray, in 1792.

E.S. & Mary Joslyn arrived in White Salmon in 1853 from Massachusetts. They were the first settlers of the area on the north side of the Columbia east of the Cascades. (source-Columbia River Gorge History, by Jim Attwell)

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