Oregon: State Flag, Bird and Facts
Oregon's state bird is the western meadowlark, and the Oregon grape is the state flower.
- Capital
- Salem
- Nickname
- Beaver State
- State bird
- Western meadowlark
- State flower
- Oregon grape
- State tree
- Douglas fir
- Admitted
- February 14, 1859
- Population
- 4,237,256 (2020 census)
- Motto
- Alis volat propriis
- Region
- West
- Area
- 255,026 km² (98,466 sq mi)
- Highest point
- Mount Hood (11,249 ft)
- Borders
- California, Idaho, Nevada, Washington
About Oregon
Rivers mark much of Oregon's outline. The Columbia separates it from Washington in the north, the Snake from Idaho in the east, and the 42nd parallel forms the line with California and Nevada. The Pacific Ocean covers the west. Spanish ships explored the coast in the 16th century, and Juan de Fuca mapped currents here in 1592. Later, Lewis and Clark crossed the region.
The Oregon Treaty of 1846 brought the land under American control, and statehood followed on Valentine's Day of 1859, making it the 33rd state. Salem is the capital. Oregon has the only state flag with a different picture on each side. The navy blue and gold front shows the shield from the state seal, while the back shows a gold beaver, the state animal.
Did you know?
- Mount Hood is the highest point in Oregon, at 11,249 feet.
- The Douglas fir is Oregon's official state tree.
- Pacific Wonderland once appeared on Oregon license plates.
Questions about Oregon
What is on the back of the Oregon flag?
A gold beaver, the state animal. No other state uses a different design on each side of its flag.
When did Oregon become a state?
Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state on February 14, 1859.
Sources
- Wikidata Q824, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Oregon, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Flag of Oregon, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.