1) On January 12, 1865, the Oregon State Legislature passed a law prohibiting slavery in the state, making it one of the first in the nation to do so. This law was passed just months before the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, which abolished slavery throughout the country.

2) On January 12, 1915, the Oregon State Capitol building burned down, resulting in the loss of several important historical documents and artifacts. The cause of the fire was never fully determined, but it was believed to have started in the basement.

3) January 12, 1946, marked the opening of the Portland Exposition Building, which became a popular venue for concerts, trade shows, and other events. The building was later renamed as the Memorial Coliseum and is still in use today as a sports and entertainment arena.

4) In 1999, the Oregon State flag was changed to include a depiction of the state animal, the beaver. This change officially took effect on January 12 of that year, and the new flag has become a beloved symbol of Oregon's natural heritage.

5) On January 12, 2005, Portland experienced one of the largest snowstorms in its history, with over a foot of snow falling in many parts of the city. The storm caused widespread disruption to transportation and commerce, but also provided a rare opportunity for Oregonians to enjoy winter sports and activities.