Capital: Salem State abbreviation/Postal code: Ore./OR Governor: Ted Kulongoski, D (to Jan. 2011) Senators: Gordon Smith, R (to Jan. 2009); Ron Wyden, D (to Jan. 2011) U.S. Representatives: 5 Historical biographies of Congressional members Secy. of State: Bill Bradbury, D (to Jan. 2008) Treasurer: Randall Edwards, D (to Jan. 2008) Atty. General: Hardy Myers, D (to Jan. 2008) Organized as territory: Aug. 14, 1848 Entered Union (rank): Feb. 14, 1859 (33) Present constitution adopted: 1859 Motto: Alis volat Propriis (She flies with her own wings) (1987) State symbols: | flower | Oregon grape (1899) | | tree | douglas fir (1939) | | animal | beaver (1969) | | bird | western meadowlark (1927) | | fish | chinook salmon (1961) | | rock | thunderegg (1965) | | colors | navy blue and gold (1959) | | song | “Oregon, My Oregon” (1927) | | insect | swallowtail butterfly (1979) | | dance | square dance (1977) | | nut | hazelnut (1989) | | gemstone | sunstone (1987) | | seashell | Oregon hairy triton (1991) | | beverage | milk (1997) | | mushroom | Pacific golden chanterelle (1999) |
Nickname: Beaver State Origin of name: Unknown. However, it is generally accepted that the name, first used by Jonathan Carver in 1778, was taken from the writings of Maj. Robert Rogers, an English army officer. 10 largest cities (2005 est.): Portland, 533,427; Salem, 148,751; Eugene, 144,515; Gresham, 96,072; Beaverton, 85,775; Hillsboro, 84,533; Medford, 70,147; Bend, 67,152; Springfield, 55,641; Corvallis, 49,553 Land area: 95,997 sq mi. (248,632 sq km) Geographic center: In Crook Co., 25 mi. SSE of Prineville Number of counties: 36 Largest county by population and area: Multnomah, 672,906 (2005); Harney, 10,135 sq mi. State forests: 780,000 ac. State parks: 231 (95,462 ac.) Residents: Oregonian 2005 resident population est.: 3,641,056 2000 resident census population (rank): 3,421,399 (28). Male: 1,696,550 (49.6%); Female: 1,724,849 (50.4%). White: 2,961,623 (86.6%); Black: 55,662 (1.6%); American Indian: 45,211 (1.3%); Asian: 101,350 (3.0%); Other race: 144,832 (4.2%); Two or more races: 104,745 (3.1%); Hispanic/Latino: 275,314 (8.0%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 75.3; 65 and over: 12.8; median age: 36.3. See additional census data Area codes Tourism office |
