As Oregonians, we are known for our pioneering spirit and rugged independence. Even though our state did not join the union until 1859, it has still managed to lead the nation by example many times over the years. If you've ever wondered what sets the Beaver State apart from the rest of the country in historical terms, we've compiled a list of seven Oregon firsts.

1. Oregon was the first state to vote entirely by mail.

The Vote-by-Mail system was established in 1998 with Oregon pioneering the way as the first state to standardize this voting method.

2. We were the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday on February 21, 1887.

Labor Day falls on the first Monday of September and celebrates American workers. When it comes to things invented in Oregon, this may be one of the lesser-known Oregonian firsts.

3. In 1973, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize marijuana.

Oregon later legalized recreational cannabis use in 2014, following in the footsteps of Colorado and Washington.

4. Oregon passed the nation's first bottle bill in 1971.

The Bottle Bill, championed by Governor Tom McCall, added a five-cent deposit to most bottles and cans. This was done in an attempt to address a growing litter problem along the coastal regions, highways, and other public places.

5. The first-ever seal conceived and born in captivity was born at the Seaside Aquarium in 1952.

However, since Seaside Aquarium did not record its seal birth with the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, the New York Aquarium holds the record on paper.

6. The first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific coast was located in Astoria, Oregon.

John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1811 for the purpose of trading furs.

7. The University of Oregon won the first NCAA basketball tournament in 1939.

This may be one of the lesser-known fun facts about Oregon: The Webfoots, as their basketball team was known back then, beat out Ohio State 46–33 in the final game.

So has that for a list of Oregon inventions? Were you aware of any of these Beaver State firsts?? Which one surprised you the most? Are you aware of any other things invented in Oregon that we should know about? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

For more Oregon history, check out our previous article:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oregon/columbus-day-storm-or/

Thinking about taking an Oregon vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.

If you’re still in the mood for more Beaver State adventures, take a look at this video about beautiful Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock: