1. On September 24, 1857, the Pacific Northwest’s first steam-powered sawmill began operations in Albany, Oregon. The Willamette Valley Lumber Company mill was capable of sawing up to 30,000 board feet of lumber per day, revolutionizing the timber industry in the region.

2. September 24, 1881, marked the start of construction on the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem. The Neoclassical-style capitol was completed in 1938, after multiple delays and setbacks, and remains an iconic landmark in the state.

3. In 1908, groundbreaking ceremonies were held on September 24 for the Portland Hotel. The hotel, which boasted over 500 rooms and modern amenities like electric lighting and telephones, quickly became one of the city’s most popular destinations for visitors and locals alike.

4. On September 24, 1962, the first classes were held at the University of Oregon Medical School (now known as OHSU). The medical school had been established in 1887, but had operated without a permanent campus or facilities until the opening of its current location in the Marquam Hill neighborhood of Portland.

5. September 24, 1994, was a historic day for Oregon football fans, as the University of Oregon Ducks upset the 17th-ranked Washington Huskies in a thrilling 31-20 game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene. The victory helped propel the Ducks to a successful season and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl.