1. In 1859, Oregon was admitted as the 33rd state to the Union on May 9, becoming the first state to have a constitution prohibiting slavery.

2. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating May 9 as National Forest Reservation Day, encouraging Americans to conserve and preserve their natural resources.

3. In 1945, Victory in Europe (VE) Day was celebrated on May 9, marking the end of World War II in Europe. Thousands of Oregonians joined in the celebrations, lighting bonfires and waving American flags.

4. In 1995, the Oregon Zoo's newborn elephant calf was named "Rohan" on May 9, after the rugged country of Rohan in JRR Tolkien's book, The Lord of the Rings.

5. In 2013, Oregon celebrated its 154th birthday on May 9 with various events and activities throughout the state, including the annual Oregon Trail Days Festival in Baker City.