The
spectacular beauty of Oregon leaves no visitor untouched. The state is
home to deep vast forests, volcanic peaks, fertile valleys, plateaus, and
an incredibly rugged coastline. To stand on one of the cliffs overlooking
the Pacific is awe-inspiring, and the irony of the name Pacific is obvious
when the ocean thrashes the beaches and rocks below.
Oregon
also is home to the deepest lake in America. With a depth of 1,932 feet,
Crater Lake is a sight not to be missed. Deep, deep blue on a brilliant
day, surrounded by the evergreen forest, Crater Lake is a uniquely
wondrous and beautiful piece of Oregon's gorgeous terrain.
The
largest reserves of standing timber in the country contribute to Oregon's
status as the leading producer of timber and plywood. The state has
consistently attempted to balance the needs of the timber industry with
environmental concerns.
| THE NAME:
The origin of the name Oregon is not certain. One theory has it that the name comes from the French Canadian
word "ouragan" meaning "storm" or "hurricane." It's thought that the Columbia River
was at one time called "the river of storms" by Canadian fur traders plying their trade in the area.
Another suggestion is that the name of the state came from the Spanish word "orejon" meaning
"big-ear." This was a term that was applied to many Indian tribes in the area.
A third idea suggests that the name of this state comes from the Spanish word "orégano" for the wild
sage which grows so vigorously in eastern Oregon.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S.
State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994 |
| THE NICKNAMES:
The Beaver State: Oregon is called "The Beaver State" because of the association of beavers with
the early history of the state and because of the admirable qualities of intelligence, industry, and
ingenuity that are associated with this animal. The Beaver is the official State Animal and on the
Oregon State Flag.
The Web-foot State: Anyone who's been to Oregon will surely understand that this nickname comes from
the amount or rain that falls in the state, most of it in the western 1/3 of the state.
Precipitation
can average from 40 to more than 180 inches a year in some areas.
The Hard-case State: or "The Land of Hard Cases" was a nickname that was given to Oregon because of the
hardships encountered by early settlers in the area.
The Sunset State: Oregon was called "The Sunset State" because of its far west location. At the time
Oregon joined the Union, in 1859, it was the most westerly of all the states. This position was lost
when Washington joined the Union in 1889 and again when Alaska joined in 1949.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994
Shankle, George Earlie, Phd State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers and
Other Symbols H. H. Wilson Company, New York - 1938 (Reprint) |
THE CITIZENS:
People who live in Oregon or who come from Oregon are called Oregonians. |
THE QUARTER:
 |
| U.S. Mint Image
|
The State of Oregon is honored with the third quarter to be released in 2005, and the 33rd in the United States Mint's 50 State Quarters® Program. On February 14, 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state to be admitted into the Union. Its coin design features a portion of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, viewed from the south-southwest rim. The design incorporates Wizard Island, as well as Watchman and Hillman Peaks on the lake's rim and conifers. The coin bears the inscription "Crater Lake."
Crater Lake is a unique and stunning natural treasure, formed more than 7,700 years ago by the collapse of Mt. Mazama in what is now southern Oregon. At 1,949 feet, it is the deepest lake in the United States and the seventh deepest in the world, and has a record clarity depth of 134 feet. The main cause of Crater Lake's remarkable clarity is its isolation from incoming streams and rivers.
President Theodore Roosevelt established Crater Lake National Park in 1902, with the lake itself as the Park's crown jewel. It is the sixth oldest national park in the country. Since its creation, Crater Lake National Park has helped protect both the Native American cultural ties to the area and the natural habitat of the animal and plant life that lies within its boundaries.
On May 24, 2004, Governor Ted Kulongoski endorsed the recommendation of the 18-member Oregon Commemorative Coin Commission by forwarding the Crater Lake design to the United States Mint. Other themes considered by the Commission and the Governor included an historical theme featuring the Oregon Trail, Mt. Hood with the Columbia River, and a wild Chinook salmon. The Department of Treasury approved the "Crater Lake" design on July 13, 2004.
For more on the state commemorative quarters, visit this page.
This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters. |
|
