How Did Oregon Get Its Name?

For some states, how they got their name is a long and interesting story. Many of the states were given their names from the explorers who discovered them. Others were named after powerful rulers in England. Still others were named after settlers' children. However, none of these provides an explanation for the naming of the state of Oregon. There are, in fact, a few different theories of how Oregon was named.

Some believe that Oregon got its name from nearby rivers. The Columbia River was named Oregon or Ouragan, while the Wisconsin River was named Ouisconsink. One, or both, of these rivers may have influenced the naming of Oregon.

Some, believe that Oregon got its name from an Indian word meaning "beautiful water."

There is even a report that a map makers error gave Oregon its name.

Oregon As "Beautiful Water"

There is no documentation to suggest that there were any permanent Indians that lived in the territory of Oregon. However, the best guess as to where the name came from is an Indian word meaning beautiful water.

This term is "Wau are gon." This term came from the Indians who discovered the River Oregon along the coast of Oregon. This river was believed to flow into the Mississippi River.

It is believed that the state was called Oregon because of this river, however, there are no Indians alive who are able to document this fact. So, the specific origin of Oregon's name is not exactly clear.

History of Oregon

Although we can't say for sure the orgin of Oregon's name, we do know some things about the history of Oregon.

• Oregon was officially recognized as a state in 1817.
• The first city in Oregon was discovered and mapped along the coast. This occurred in 1625 when a map maker by the name of Hondius placed the name of the city on the first world map.
• The explorers of the 16th and 17th centuries thought the land was mysterious. They called the state of Oregon New Albion. They also called it Terra Incognita.

Facts About Oregon

Since its inception as a state, Oregon has made a name for itself in a number of ways and there are various things that make this state unique, aside from the fact. For instance:

• Oregon is the only state with two figures on its state flag. On the backside there is a picture of a beaver and on the other side is a different figure.
• Oregon is also known for its bodies of water. For instance, the Columbia River is one of the most popular in the United States for windsurfing.
• Crater Lake, which is also in Oregon, is one of the deepest in the United States. Crater Lake is also considered an ancient lake because it was formed by a volcano that is old and extinct.  

So, although we do not know exactly how Oregon got its name, we do know plenty of great facts about the state.