1. In 1852, the first newspaper in Oregon, the Oregon Spectator, published an article about a major fire in the town of Oregon City that destroyed several buildings.

2. On August 4, 1917, the deadliest forest fire in United States history swept through the Pacific Northwest, including parts of Oregon. Over 450,000 acres were burned and 38 people were killed.

3. In 1922, the Oregon State Fair opened for the first time in its current location in Salem on August 4. The fair has been held annually ever since.

4. On August 4, 1949, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the southern coast of Oregon, causing landslides and damage to buildings in the area. No fatalities were reported.

5. In 1985, the largest anti-apartheid protest in Oregon's history took place on August 4 in Portland. Over 7,000 demonstrators marched through the city to demand divestment from companies doing business in South Africa.