State of Oregon
Nicknames: The Beaver State
Motto(s): Alis volat propriis (She flies with her own wings)
Date of Statehood: February 14, 1859 (33rd state)
State Song: “Oregon, My Oregon” by J.A. Buchanan and Henry B. Murtagh
Oregon Flag History
The flag of Oregon, adopted in 1925, is unique for having different designs on each side, a feature it shares with no other state flag. The front depicts the state seal in gold on a field of navy blue. Elements of the seal include a heart-shaped shield surrounded by 33 stars, representing Oregon’s admission as the 33rd state. The shield depicts a sunset over the ocean, mountains, forests, and a covered wagon to symbolize the state’s natural beauty and pioneer past.
On the reverse side of the flag, a beaver, the state animal, is displayed, symbolizing Oregon’s significant fur trade history. The colors of the flag, navy blue and gold, are a nod to the state’s natural beauty and resources.
Oregon’s flag represents the state’s pride in its natural splendor, its pioneering history, and its industrious nature, symbolized by the beaver. It’s a reminder of the state’s journey and its commitment to preserving its rich heritage and environment.
Oregon Quick Facts
Capital City: Salem
Abbreviation: OR
Population: Approximately 4.2 million
Region: Pacific Northwest
Origin of State Name: Origin is uncertain; possibly derived from the French word “ouragan” meaning “hurricane,” referring to the strong winds on the Columbia River
Sports Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), Portland Timbers (MLS), Portland Thorns FC (NWSL)
Bordering States: Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho
Area Codes: 503, 541, 971, 458
Highest Point: Mount Hood at 11,249 feet (3,429 meters)
Lowest Point: Pacific Ocean
Geography of Oregon
Area: 98,381 square miles (254,800 square kilometers), 9th largest
Land: 95,997 square miles (248,608 square kilometers), 10th largest
Water: 2,384 square miles (6,177 square kilometers), 41st largest
Coastline: 296 miles (476 kilometers)
Shoreline: 1,410 miles (2,270 kilometers), including the coastline and shores of rivers and lakes
Largest Cities:
- Portland
- Eugene
- Salem
- Gresham
- Hillsboro
- Beaverton
- Bend
- Medford
- Springfield
- Corvallis
- Albany
- Tigard
- Lake Oswego
- Keizer
- Grants Pass
National Parks:
- Crater Lake National Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument
- John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (shared with Washington)
Oregon State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Western Meadowlark
State Animal: American Beaver
State Amphibian: Rough-skinned Newt
State Butterfly: Oregon Swallowtail
State Fish: Chinook Salmon
State Flower: Oregon Grape
State Horse Breed: None
State Insect: Oregon Swallowtail Butterfly
State Mammal: American Beaver
State Reptile: None
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Pear
State Gemstone: Oregon Sunstone
State Soil: Jory soil
State Tree: Douglas Fir
State Quarter: Issued in 2005 featuring Crater Lake
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Navy blue and gold (same as the flag)
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: Hazelnut
State Fossil: Metasequoia
State Mineral: Oregonite
State Rock: Thunderegg (Geode)