Portlanders may lead the country in recycling, food culture, and keeping things weird, but you may be surprised to learn about these 5 historically significant things that residents of our great city were the first in the world to create. While the list is not long, the mark on society is significant and lasting. Even Portland natives may be unaware of some of the things Portland did first.

1. Chainsaw Chains

Portlanders know a thing or two about trees. Back in the heyday of logging, Portland inventor and businessman Joseph Buford Cox invented the chipper-type chain for chain saws. Basing his design on the C-shaped jaws of the larva of the timber beetle, Cox's design is still in use today.

2. Wikis

Long before Wikipedia took over the internet, Portland computer programmer Ward Cunningham developed the world's first wiki. Cunningham is a leader in design patterns and extreme programming, and programmed WikiWikiWeb in 1994.

3. The Computer Mouse

American engineer and inventor Douglas Engelbart hails from Portland, and under his guidance at the Augmentation Research Center Lab in SRI International, the computer mouse was invented. He was also in charge of projects that resulted in the creation of hypertext, networked computers, and graphical user interfaces, making his substantial mark on the internet, computers, and the world. When it comes to Portland inventions, the computer mouse is arguably among the most influential in our society.

4. The Simpsons

Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons, introduced the world to this lovable family and continues to tell their story today. The Simpsons is notable as the longest-running Prime Time show in history, as well as the longest-running animated series and sitcom.

5. Nike

One of the most surprising fun facts about Portland, Oregon is that Nike co-founder Phil Knight hails from Portland. He created one of the largest global sports brands in the world. Nike's "swoosh" logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Knight also owns the stop-motion film company Laika.

Do you know of any other Portland firsts? Feel free to share in the comments below!

If you're interested in uncovering more Portland history, check out these 8 photos of Portland from the early 1900s, as well as this list of some of the oldest photos of Portland. It adds a great deal of perspective to look to the past in order to appreciate how far we've advanced in the current era, as well as imagine what new frontiers remain to be discovered.