1. On October 27, 1902, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company unveiled their new steamship "Great Northern" in Portland. This impressive vessel could carry over 3,000 passengers and set new standards for luxury travel on the Columbia River.

2. The Oregon State Penitentiary, located in Salem, was established on October 27, 1866. It was the first state penitentiary in the Pacific Northwest and housed some of the most notorious criminals in Oregon's history.

3. October 27, 1962, marks the day that the first television station in Medford, KTVL, went on air. The station has since become a major source of news and entertainment for southern Oregon.

4. On October 27, 1983, the Mt. Hood Freeway project was officially cancelled after years of protests and legal battles. This controversial proposal aimed to build a new freeway through southeast Portland and was met with fierce opposition from residents and environmental groups.

5. In 1975, Oregon governor Robert Straub issued a proclamation declaring October 27 as "Native American Veterans Day" in honor of the many indigenous veterans who had served in the U.S. military. This recognition helped raise awareness of the contributions and sacrifices made by Native American veterans across the country.