1. On May 19, 1857, the Oregon Constitutional Convention convened in Salem to draft a constitution for the new state of Oregon. The convention lasted for 54 days and resulted in the document that was later ratified by the people and approved by Congress, establishing Oregon as a state.
2. In 1902, the Oregon State Penitentiary was dedicated in Salem on May 19. Originally designed to hold 300 prisoners, the penitentiary has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years to keep up with the growing inmate population.
3. On May 19, 1991, Mt. Hood erupted in what was the state's first volcanic eruption since 1902. The eruption caused a mudflow that damaged roads, bridges, and homes, but fortunately no one was killed or injured.
4. May 19, 1933, marked the opening of Crater Lake National Park for the season. Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon, is the deepest lake in the United States and is known for its stunning blue color.
5. On May 19, 1942, the U.S. government declared the evacuation of Japanese Americans from the West Coast. More than 4,000 Japanese Americans from Oregon were forced to abandon their homes and businesses and were sent to internment camps. Many families were not able to return to their homes and communities after the war.
5 Fun Facts About May 19 In Oregon History
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