Oregon is bordered by Washington, along the Columbia River to the north, Idaho, across the Snake River to the east, Nevada and California to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The state’s unique position on the Pacific Coast has long made it an important gateway for trade, exploration, and natural beauty. Its diverse geography includes rugged coastlines, towering mountains, fertile valleys, and vast forests, all of which make Oregon one of the most picturesque states in the country.
The Spanish and English sailors were among the first to explore the Oregon coast in the 1500s and 1600s. Captain James Cook, while searching for the Northwest Passage in 1778, mapped parts of the coastline and helped establish its presence on international maps. In 1792, Captain Robert Gray entered the Columbia River, naming it after his ship, and claimed the region for the United States. This moment became one of the defining events that secured America’s interest in the Pacific Northwest.
In 1805, the famous explorers Lewis and Clark traveled through Oregon as part of their expedition to the Pacific. The region’s first permanent U.S. settlement was established in 1811 at Astoria by John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company. Over the following decades, the area became a major center for the fur trade and a point of conflict between American settlers and the British-controlled Hudson’s Bay Company. The dispute was finally resolved through the Treaty of Oregon in 1846, with Great Britain ceding control of the region to the United States.
Oregon covers a land area of 96,981 square miles, or 251,181 square kilometers, and had a population of over 4.3 million people in 2024. The state capital is Salem, and its largest city is Portland. Oregon officially joined the Union on February 14, 1859, becoming the 33rd state. Known as the Beaver State, Oregon’s rich natural resources and entrepreneurial spirit have long symbolized its strength, independence, and resilience.
Oregon is well known for its thriving agricultural sector. Greenhouse and nursery products such as daffodils, gladioli, irises, lilies, peonies, and tulip bulbs are among the most valuable crops. Hay ranks as the second-largest farm product, generating about 7% of the state’s total agricultural revenue. Other significant crops include ryegrass, wheat, and onions, while the state is also a leading producer of seeds for bent grass, fescue, ryegrass, crimson clover, Kentucky bluegrass, and Merion bluegrass. Oregon is one of the country’s top producers of Christmas trees and peppermint oil, further diversifying its agricultural output.
Oregon is home to a wide range of historic landmarks and attractions. The Oregon State Capitol houses the offices of the governor, treasurer, and secretary of state. The Pioneer Courthouse, the oldest federal building in the Pacific Northwest and the second oldest west of the Mississippi River, is a true architectural treasure. Other notable landmarks include the Oregon Zoo, Yapoah Crater, Monument Flat, Harlow Crater, The Oaks Amusement Park, Burns Paiute Indian Reservation, Millican Crater, and the Community Music Center. These sites capture the diversity and heritage of Oregon’s landscape and culture.
Oregon is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, from its majestic mountains to its pristine beaches. The state’s coastline is among the most beautiful in the world, and its fertile valleys make it ideal for both farming and recreation. Residents and visitors alike enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, with activities such as hiking, fishing, biking, and skiing easily accessible. Oregon’s strong environmental values and appreciation for nature make it a model of sustainable living and eco-friendly growth.
Living in Oregon means embracing a lifestyle that balances nature, community, and creativity. The state is one of the few in the United States with no sales tax, making shopping more affordable. In Portland, biking is a way of life, with many areas designed to be accessible without a car. The world-famous Oregon State Fair, the breathtaking coastline, and the rich farming traditions all contribute to the state’s charm. Oregon is also home to its own Seven Wonders, a collection of natural landmarks that showcase its beauty and diversity. With its rich soil, mild climate, and friendly atmosphere, Oregon truly offers one of the best living experiences in America.
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