1. On May 8, 1876, the Oregon State Penitentiary opened in Salem. It was the first permanent prison in the state, and initially housed 40 inmates. Today, the penitentiary has a capacity of 2,086 inmates.

2. May 8, 1914, marked the opening of the Oregon Caves National Monument. The caves, located in southwestern Oregon, were formed by underground water and have been attracting tourists and explorers for over 100 years.

3. On May 8, 1945, Oregon Governor Earl Snell died in a plane crash while on a trip to Klamath Falls. Snell was serving his second term as governor and was known for his efforts to modernize state government.

4. May 8, 1980, was a significant date in Oregon’s geological history as it marked the first major eruption of Mount St. Helens. The volcanic eruption resulted in the loss of dozens of lives and caused widespread damage to the surrounding area.

5. On May 8, 2004, the Tillamook Burn Trail Run took place for the first time. The event was organized to commemorate the historic Tillamook Burn, a series of devastating forest fires that occurred in the Pacific Northwest in the mid-20th century. Today, the trail run is an annual event that attracts runners from across the country.