Oregon

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region on the West Coast of the United States. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of its eastern boundary with Idaho. The 42° north parallel delineates the southern boundary with California and Nevada.

History

Oregon has been home to many indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The first European traders, explorers, and settlers began exploring what is now Oregon's Pacific coast in the early-mid 1500s. As early as 1565, the Spanish began to sail along the west coast of North America. They were looking for a mythical coastal route to the Atlantic Ocean.

Geography

Oregon's landscape is diverse, with a windswept Pacific coastline, volcano-studded Cascade Range, abundant waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, and arid desert in the east. The state has the most ghost towns in the country.

Economy

Oregon's economy is largely powered by agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power. Oregon is also the top timber-producer of the lower 48 states. Technology is another one of Oregon's major economic forces, beginning in the 1970s with the establishment of the Silicon Forest and the expansion of Tektronix and Intel.

Culture

Oregonians have a strong interest in the outdoors and the environment, which is reflected in the state's cultural institutions and policies. The state is home to many breweries and Portland has the largest number of breweries of any city in the world.

See also

• List of cities in Oregon
• List of counties in Oregon
• List of rivers of Oregon