“Oregon My Oregon” was chosen as the state song in 1920 after a contest sponsored by the Society of Oregon Composers. Henry Murtagh wrote the music and John Andrew Buchanan wrote the lyrics, which were inspired by the state’s natural beauty and settlers. Murtagh wanted the song to be unique and not generic like other […]
Oregon had two previous seals, designed to be politically neutral due to a border dispute with Great Britain. The state’s new seal, mandated by the constitution in 1857, had political symbolism, including a moose, eagle, and images of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and a covered wagon. The seal also includes elements reflecting Oregon’s mining and […]
The Oregon grape, also known as mahonia, is the state flower of Oregon. It is an evergreen shrub with clusters of yellow flowers and dark blue berries. The plant is used for medicinal purposes and its leaves can be used to make a yellow dye. The state flower of Oregon is the Oregon grape, sometimes […]
The North American beaver, known as Castor Canadensis, is the state animal of Oregon. It was adopted in 1969, and now features on the back of the state flag. Oregon is nicknamed the “Beaver State” and its athletic teams are called the “Beavers.” The beaver’s adoption was delayed due to dwindling numbers caused by extensive […]
