1. In 1850, the first university in Oregon, Willamette University, was founded in Salem. This institution of higher education has a long and storied history in the state, and continues to be a major contributor to Oregon's academic and cultural landscape.

2. The Oregon state flag was adopted on November 12, 1925. Designed by a committee of two, the flag features a blue background with a gold shield and a beaver in the center. The beaver is a symbol of Oregon's early fur trade industry, and the shield represents the strength and independence of the state.

3. In 1955, the University of Oregon's football team, the Ducks, played their first game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The stadium has since become a beloved landmark in the state, hosting countless high school and college football games as well as concerts and other events.

4. November 12, 1997 saw the opening of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland. Since then, OMSI has become one of the most popular cultural attractions in the state, drawing visitors from all over the world to explore its interactive exhibits and educational programs.

5. November 12, 2014 was a significant day in Oregon's political history, as voters approved a ballot measure legalizing recreational marijuana. This landmark decision made Oregon one of the first states in the country to fully legalize the drug, and helped to pave the way for nationwide legalization efforts in the years to come.