Moving to Oregon
Mention the word Oregon, and immediately The Oregon Trail comes to mind. The state actually has four National Historic Trails. Oregon is a land of natural beauty with more than 6,000 lakes and 112,000 miles of rivers and streams. There are more than 5,900 registered campsites, 230 state parks and 13 national forests in Oregon. Nearly half of the state's total area is forested, close to 30 million acres. A winter wonderland, Oregon has twelve downhill ski areas, with four hundred trails in three mountain ranges. Besides the plethora of outdoor activities, culture and city life come together in one America's favorite and most gorgeous cities, Portland.
Oregon became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859. With a land area of 98,386 square miles, Oregon is the 9th largest state in the USA. Its population as of the 2000 census was approximately 3.4 million people, making it the 28th most populous state in the nation. Major industries are timber, paper products, farming (wheat, cattle), coal mining, computer equipment, and electronics.
Now that you are moving to the Beaver State, impress your friends and family with these awesome Oregon facts:
State Capital is Salem.
Largest city is Portland; 1.5 million people live in the Portland area.
The Oregon Trail is the longest of the overland routes used in the westward expansion of the United States. The Trail, about 2,000 miles long, was used from 1840 to 1860. It began in Missouri and ended in Oregon.
State Motto: "She Flies With Her Own Wings" and "The Union."
Oregon has 14 National Historic Districts.
Oregon has more than 7,000 bridges, including 53 covered bridges.
Oregon has seventeen ghost towns, more than any other state.
The hazelnut is the official state nut. Oregon is the only state that has an official state nut.
State Flower is the Oregon Grape.
There are 16 known hot springs in Oregon.
Oregon and New Jersey are the only states without self-serve gas stations. According to state law, an attendant must pump your gas.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It was formed more than 6,500 years ago. Its crystal-blue waters are world renowned.
Oregon has no sales, restaurant or liquor tax.
Oregon is pronounced OR-UH-GUN.
The Columbia River gorge is considered by many to be the best place in the world for windsurfing.
There are nine lighthouses standing along the Oregon coastline. Five are still being used; the others are designated as historic monuments.
The nation's most photographed lighthouse is the Heceta Head Lighthouse located in Lane County.
Oregon's state flag pictures a beaver on its reverse side. It is the only state flag to carry two separate designs.
At 8,000 feet deep Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America.
Enjoy your new home - Oregon!