1. In 1850, Oregon's first territorial government was established on December 3. This was a significant step in Oregon's path towards statehood, which it achieved in 1859.

2. On December 3, 1917, the deadliest train accident in Oregon's history occurred when two passenger trains collided near Salem, killing 41 people and injuring many more.

3. The first ever Rose Bowl Game outside of Pasadena, California was played in Eugene, Oregon on December 3, 1920. The game featured the University of Oregon and the University of Pennsylvania, with Penn coming out on top 14-0.

4. President John F. Kennedy made a visit to Portland, Oregon on December 3, 1961. During his speech at the Portland Coliseum, he spoke about the importance of education and the need to support scientific research.

5. In 2003, Oregon became the first state in the country to require that all gasoline sold in the state be blended with at least 10% ethanol. This mandate went into effect on December 3, 2003, with the goal of reducing air pollution and supporting the state's agricultural industry.