1. On April 8, 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established in Oregon. The program provided jobs and training for young men during the Great Depression, and many of Oregon's parks and forests were developed through CCC projects.

2. In 1949, the Oregon State Legislature passed a bill designating the Western Meadowlark as the official state bird. The cheerful and melodious song of the meadowlark is a regular fixture of Oregon's countryside.

3. April 8, 1974, saw a major earthquake strike Oregon. The 6.0 magnitude quake caused significant damage in the town of Creswell, but fortunately no deaths were reported.

4. In 1992, Oregon became one of the first states to legalize physician-assisted suicide. The Death with Dignity Act allows terminally ill patients to request and obtain life-ending medications from a doctor, with certain safeguards in place.

5. On April 8, 2006, public art in Portland received a boost when the city's Regional Arts & Culture Council launched its "Public Art Murals Program." Over the years, this program has facilitated the creation of dozens of murals throughout the city, enhancing the public aesthetic and providing a platform for local artists.