1. On December 19, 1821, the first permanent American settlement on the west coast was established at Fort Vancouver, located in present-day Vancouver, Washington. It was founded by the Hudson's Bay Company, a British fur trading company.

2. In 1843, the first wagon train arrived in Oregon's Willamette Valley, after a journey of nearly six months from Missouri. This event marked the beginning of the Oregon Trail, which would see thousands of settlers make the perilous journey to the west in search of a better life.

3. On December 19, 1850, the territorial legislature of Oregon passed the "Lash Law", which allowed for the punishment of African Americans by whipping. The law was repealed the following year due to protests from both black and white citizens.

4. In 1974, the Oregon Historical Society opened its new museum in downtown Portland, showcasing the state's rich history and culture. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including artifacts from the Lewis and Clark expedition, Oregon Trail pioneers, and items from the state's Native American tribes.

5. On December 19, 1980, Mount St. Helens in southwestern Washington erupted in one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in U.S. history. The resulting blast destroyed over 230 square miles of forest, killed 57 people, and caused billions of dollars in damage. The eruption was felt as far away as Oregon and even shook buildings in Portland.