1. On October 5, 1853, the first issue of the Oregon Statesman newspaper was published in Salem. The newspaper served as a voice for the Democratic Party and became a prominent source of news and opinion in the state.

2. In 1866, the Oregon Steam Navigation Company launched its first steamship, the "Idaho," on the Columbia River. The company played a significant role in the development of Oregon's transportation infrastructure and economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

3. On October 5, 1907, Oregon State University played its first intercollegiate football game against the University of Oregon. The game ended in a 0-0 tie and marked the beginning of a longstanding rivalry between the two schools.

4. In 1971, Oregon became the first state to enact a "bottle bill," which required a refundable deposit on beverage containers. The law has been credited with significantly reducing litter and increasing recycling rates in the state.

5. On October 5, 2017, Governor Kate Brown signed a bill that made Oregon the first state to allow people to select a nonbinary gender option on their driver's license or state identification card. The law was hailed as a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.