PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon turns 165 years old on February 14. It was admitted to the Union as a state in 1859 by Congress.
In honor of the Beaver State's birthday, here are seven facts about the state to celebrate it— from the abundance of natural beauty to its quirky uniqueness.
If looking for more ways to celebrate the state, the Oregon Historical Society is offering free admission to the museum all day on February 14, plus, giving out birthday cupcakes at 2 p.m.
1. The world's smallest park is in Portland
Portland has one of largest urban forests in the U.S. — Forest Park. It is also home to the world's smallest park. According to the Guinness World Records website, Mill Ends Park, along Southwest Naito Parkway, has held the title of "World's Smallest Park" since 1976.
2. Oregon residents own the second highest population of llamas in the nation
According to the International Llama Registry, Oregon residents own 2,153 llamas, as of Feb. 13, the second highest llama population in the U.S. California has the most registered llamas at 2,587.
3. The town of Springfield from The Simpsons is based on Springfield, Oregon
The beloved cartoon, "The Simpsons," has long been speculated to be based on some other Springfield. But in fact, the real Springfield is modeled after Springfield, Oregon, the show's creator Matt Groening said.
4. Oregon has the most amount of ghost towns in the nation
Oregon has over 250 ghost towns, more than any other state. Some of the ghost towns are well known, like Sumpter, a former mining town, but most are really obscure.
5. Oregon's home to the deepest river gorge in North America
At more than a mile below Oregon's west rim, Hell's Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America. It is deeper than the famed Grand Canyon in Arizona and about 10-miles wide and 5,500 feet below sea level.
6. Oregon has the deepest lake in the U.S.
Crater Lake is the deepest in the U.S. and was voted the "most beautiful" of national parks in 2023, according to a survey by Travel Lens. Located in south-central Oregon, the iconic lake is famous for its deep blue and clear water.
7. Portland was almost named Boston
Portland won its name in a coin toss. Back in the 1800s, Asa Lovejoy, a lawyer from Boston and Francis Pettygrove of Portland, Maine were trying to decide what they would call a portion of land they both owned. They found themselves in a stalemate and decided to leave it up to a coin flip to determine who would have the honor of naming the land — as one could guess, Pettygrove won it. The Oregon Historical Society Museum has the actual coin — or what historians believe it to be the coin — in the lobby.
