November 23 is a significant day in the history of Oregon, marking several noteworthy events that have shaped the state's landscape, culture, and economy. Here are five interesting facts about November 23 in Oregon history.

1. On November 23, 1850, the first patent was issued for a machine that can separate cream from milk, which went on to revolutionize the dairy industry in Oregon and beyond. The machine was invented by a man named Harvey Adams, who lived in Eastern Oregon, and it allowed farmers to produce butter and cheese with much greater efficiency and consistency.

2. On November 23, 1864, the first railroad reached Portland, Oregon, opening a new era of transportation and commerce for the state. The line was built by the Oregon and California Railroad, which had been chartered by the federal government to connect Portland with California's Central Valley.

3. On November 23, 1926, the legendary timber baron and philanthropist, Simon Benson, donated $100,000 to the University of Oregon to build a women's dormitory, which was named after him. Benson was a visionary entrepreneur who helped shape the timber industry in Oregon and played a pivotal role in the development of Portland's waterfront.

4. On November 23, 1971, the Oregon State Senate passed a groundbreaking bill that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, making Oregon the first state to do so. The bill was signed into law by Governor Tom McCall the following year, paving the way for Oregon to become an early adopter of marijuana legalization.

5. On November 23, 2016, Oregon became the first state to implement a statewide automatic voter registration system, allowing eligible residents to automatically register to vote when they interact with certain state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. This move was part of Oregon's ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible and inclusive for all its citizens.