As Oregonians, we are known for our pioneering spirit and rugged independence. Even though our state did not join the union until 1859, it has still managed to lead the nation many times over the years. Here are 7 things that the Beaver State did first.
- Oregon was the first state to vote entirely by mail.
Flickr/Sheila Sund The Vote-by-Mail system began in 1998.
- We were the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday on February 21, 1887.
Flickr/Ted Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September and celebrates American workers.
- In 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize marijuana.
Flickr/Katheirne Hitt We legalized recreational cannabis use in 2014, following in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington.
- Oregon passed the nation’s first bottle bill in 1971.
Flickr/Rex Roof The Bottle Bill, championed by governor Tom McCall, added a five-cent deposit to most bottles and cans.
- The first-ever seal conceived and born in captivity was born at the Seaside Aquarium in 1952.
Flickr/Alias 0591 However, since Seaside Aquarium did not record their seal birth with the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the New York Aquarium holds the record on paper.
- The first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific coast was located in Astoria, Oregon.
Flickr/uosɐɾ ɹnɥʇɹɐɔɯ John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1810.
- The University of Oregon won the first NCAA basketball tournament in 1939.
Flickr/Wolfram Burner The Webfoots, as they were known back then, beat out Ohio State.
Were you aware of any of these firsts? Which one surprised you the most? Share your reactions with us in the comments below!
Flickr/Sheila Sund
The Vote-by-Mail system began in 1998.
Flickr/Ted
Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September and celebrates American workers.
Flickr/Katheirne Hitt
We legalized recreational cannabis use in 2014, following in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington.
Flickr/Rex Roof
The Bottle Bill, championed by governor Tom McCall, added a five-cent deposit to most bottles and cans.
Flickr/Alias 0591
However, since Seaside Aquarium did not record their seal birth with the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the New York Aquarium holds the record on paper.
Flickr/uosɐɾ ɹnɥʇɹɐɔɯ
John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1810.
Flickr/Wolfram Burner
The Webfoots, as they were known back then, beat out Ohio State.
For more Oregon history, check out our previous article: A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Oregon In 1962 And No One Saw It Coming.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
