Oregon

Weird Facts

1. Oregon is the only state with an official state nut: Oregon’s state nut is the hazelnut, also known as the filbert. Oregon produces 99% of the hazelnuts grown in the United States, making it a leader in the hazelnut industry.
2. There’s no sales tax in Oregon: While most states charge sales tax on purchases, Oregon is one of the few states where you won’t have to pay any sales tax. This makes it a popular destination for shopping.
3. Oregon was the first state to ban self-service gas stations: In Oregon, it’s illegal to pump your own gas. This law was passed in 1951 for safety reasons, and Oregon is one of only two states in the U.S. with this restriction.
4. The world’s largest living organism is in Oregon: In the Malheur National Forest, you’ll find a giant fungus called Armillaria, or the “Humongous Fungus,” which spreads across over 2,000 acres, making it the largest living organism on Earth.
5. Crater Lake is the clearest and deepest lake in the U.S.: Formed by a collapsed volcano, Crater Lake is not only the deepest lake in the United States at 1,949 feet, but it’s also one of the clearest, with visibility up to 100 feet.
6. Oregon has the shortest river in the world: The D River in Lincoln City is just 440 feet long, making it one of the shortest rivers in the world. It connects Devil’s Lake to the Pacific Ocean.
7. Oregon is home to the smallest park in the world: Mill Ends Park in Portland holds the Guinness World Record for being the smallest park in the world. It’s only 2 feet in diameter and was originally created as a joke by a journalist.
8. There are more ghost towns in Oregon than in any other state: Oregon is home to over 200 ghost towns, remnants of the state’s mining and timber history. Many are abandoned, but some are popular tourist destinations.
9. Nike was founded in Oregon: The global sports brand Nike was founded by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight in Beaverton, Oregon. Today, Nike’s world headquarters is still located there.
10. It’s illegal to hunt in Oregon with a cow as bait: Among Oregon’s many strange laws, it’s illegal to use a cow as a hunting decoy. This law highlights some of the state’s quirky and unusual wildlife regulations.

Famous Men

1. Matt Groening (1954–): Born in Portland, Oregon, Matt Groening is the creator of The Simpsons, one of the longest-running and most successful animated TV shows in history. He is also the creator of Futurama.
2. Herbert Hoover (1874–1964): Raised in Newberg, Oregon, Herbert Hoover was the 31st president of the United States. Before his presidency, he was a successful mining engineer and humanitarian.
3. Linus Pauling (1901–1994): Born in Portland, Oregon, Linus Pauling is a renowned scientist and the only person to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes, one in Chemistry and the other for Peace.
4. Steve Prefontaine (1951–1975): Born in Coos Bay, Oregon, Steve Prefontaine was a legendary long-distance runner who set numerous American records. He was a key figure in the running community and helped inspire the creation of Nike.
5. Phil Knight (1938–): Born in Portland, Oregon, Phil Knight is the co-founder and former CEO of Nike, one of the largest sports brands in the world. His work revolutionized the athletic apparel industry.

Famous Women

1. Sally Struthers (1947–): Born in Portland, Oregon, Sally Struthers is an Emmy Award-winning actress best known for her role as Gloria in the TV show All in the Family. She has also been a prominent advocate for children’s charities.
2. Gretchen Corbett (1947–): Born in Portland, Oregon, Gretchen Corbett is an actress best known for her role in the 1970s TV show The Rockford Files. She has appeared in numerous films and television series.
3. Beverly Cleary (1916–2021): Born in McMinnville, Oregon, and raised in Portland, Beverly Cleary was a beloved children’s book author known for classics like Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Henry Huggins.
4. Kim Novak (1933–): Born in Chicago but raised in Oregon, Kim Novak is a Golden Globe-winning actress best known for her roles in Vertigo and Bell, Book and Candle. She was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1950s and 1960s.
5. Margaret Carter (1935–): Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and later moving to Portland, Oregon, Margaret Carter was the first African American woman elected to the Oregon State Senate, where she worked on social justice issues.