Some People Don’t Know That Oregon Was the First To Do These 7 Things

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 by example many times over the years. If you've ever wondered what sets the Beaver State apart from the rest of the country in historical terms, we've compiled a list of seven Oregon firsts.

1. Oregon Was the First State To Vote Entirely by Mail

This Pacific Northwest state has a long legacy of mail-voting. The Vote-by-Mail system was established in 1998, with Oregon pioneering the way as the first state to standardize this voting method. It began with mail-in ballots for local elections in the 1980s before expanding to use this method for presidential elections in the 1990s. So next time you skip the polling stations and mail in your ballot, be sure to thank this Pacific Northwest state. 

2. We Were the First State To Make Labor Day an Official Holiday on February 21, 1887

When it comes to things invented in Oregon, this may be one of the lesser-known Oregonian firsts. Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September and celebrates American workers. Soon after Oregon deemed it a holiday, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey did the same.

3. In 1973, Oregon Became the First State To Decriminalize Marijuana

It seems forests aren’t the only thing that makes this state green. Oregon has a history of being progressive in the cannabis department, first beginning with decriminalization. The 33rd state later legalized recreational cannabis use in 2014, following in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington. It’s just another unique piece of Oregon trivia that makes this state special. 

4. Oregon Passed the Nation’s First Bottle Bill in 1971

The Bottle Bill, championed by Governor Tom McCall, added a five-cent deposit to most bottles and cans. This was done in an attempt to address a growing litter problem along the coastal regions, highways, and other public places. Since then, nine other states have introduced bottle bills, including California and Hawaii. 

5. The First-Ever Seal Conceived and Born in Captivity Was Born at the Seaside Aquarium in 1952

Oregon holds the claim to the first seal born in captivity in the U.S. However, since Seaside Aquarium did not record its seal birth with the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the New York Aquarium holds the record on paper. (Even though theirs didn’t occur until the 1960s.)

6. The First Permanent U.S. Settlement on the Pacific Coast Was Located in Astoria, Oregon

Oregon isn’t called the Beaver State for no reason. In the 19th century, beaver pelts were a primary export. Consequently, John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company founded Fort Astoria, selecting this location at the mouth of the Columbia River in 1811 for the purpose of trading furs. 

7. The University of Oregon Won the First NCAA Basketball Tournament in 1939

This may be one of the lesser-known fun facts about Oregon: The Webfoots, as their basketball team was known back then, beat out Ohio State 46–33 in the final game. Although it was played in Evanston, Illinois, Oregon took home the title, holding the first national championship in men’s college basketball.

So how's that for a list of Oregon inventions? Were you aware of any of these Beaver State firsts? Which one surprised you the most? Share this article with an Oregonian in your life and see what they have to say.

Oregon is a state that holds many surprises, from wild history to quirky facts. Thinking about taking an Oregon vacation soon? Get to know this state from A to Z and plan the perfect trip to the Beaver State with Only In Your State's itinerary planner.