What are the most important historical events in Oregon?

Here are some of the most important historical events in Oregon:

1. **Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806):** The famous expedition reached the Pacific Ocean near present-day Astoria, Oregon, in 1805, mapping the region and establishing American claims.

2. **Oregon Trail (1840s–1860s):** Thousands of settlers traveled the Oregon Trail, a 2,000-mile route from Missouri to Oregon, leading to significant population growth.

3. **Establishment of the Oregon Territory (1848):** The U.S. Congress created the Oregon Territory, which included present-day Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and parts of Montana and Wyoming.

4. **Oregon Statehood (1859):** Oregon became the 33rd state of the United States on February 14, 1859.

5. **Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad to Portland (1883):** The arrival of the railroad connected Oregon to the rest of the country, boosting economic growth.

6. **Columbia River Highway Completion (1915):** The first scenic highway in the U.S. was completed, promoting tourism and transportation.

7. **Vanport Flood (1948):** A catastrophic flood destroyed Vanport, then Oregon’s second-largest city, displacing thousands.

8. **Environmental Movement and Bottle Bill (1971):** Oregon passed the nation’s first bottle deposit law, reflecting its leadership in environmental policy.

For more information, you can visit the [Oregon Historical Society](https://www.ohs.org/).