April 1st has a rich history in the state of Oregon, full of fascinating facts and events. Here are five interesting facts about April 1st in Oregon history.

1. Oregon became a state on April 1, 1859. This historic event marked the end of a long battle for statehood and the beginning of a new era for Oregonians.

2. On April 1, 1949, a major earthquake hit the Pacific Northwest, causing significant damage and stirring up fear across the region. This earthquake, known as the Olympia earthquake, measured 7.1 on the Richter Scale and was felt as far away as Montana and Canada.

3. In 1965, on April 1st, Oregon became the first state in the United States to implement a bottle bill, requiring a deposit on all beverage containers. This innovative law was designed to reduce litter and encourage recycling.

4. On April 1, 1979, the famous Mount Saint Helens erupted, sending a plume of ash and debris into the sky and devastating the surrounding area. This event marked the beginning of a long period of seismic activity and volcanic eruptions in the region.

5. In 1985, on April 1st, Nike co-founder Phil Knight purchased the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team, becoming the majority owner. Under Knight's ownership, the Blazers enjoyed a period of great success, including two trips to the NBA Finals.

Overall, April 1st has been a significant day in Oregon history, with events ranging from statehood to earthquakes, from recycling laws to volcanic eruptions, and from basketball success to seismic changes in the sports world.