1. Oregon became a state on December 17, 1858. Its admission to the union was delayed due to contentious political debates and conflicts over slavery.

2. On December 17, 1997, an 80-foot-tall, 70-ton spruce tree arrived in Washington D.C. from Oregon's Willamette National Forest. The tree was selected to be the Capitol Christmas tree and was decorated with handmade ornaments from Oregon and other states.

3. The first known newspaper published in Oregon, The Oregon Spectator, was first printed on December 17, 1846. The newspaper was started by a group of settlers who wanted to promote the region's potential for agriculture and trade.

4. On December 17, 1976, the city of Portland was pelted with over a foot of snow, causing widespread disruptions and power outages. This event, known as the "Great Christmas Snowstorm," is still remembered as one of the most severe winter storms in the city's history.

5. The first known recorded snowboarding competition in the United States was held on Mt. Hood in Oregon on December 17, 1987. The competition was organized by snowboarding pioneer Steve Van Doren and featured some of the best snowboarders of the time.