Political Quotes

“we rise to offer this resolution in recognition of a historic day for my STATE and the people of Oregon. On February 14, 1859, 150 years ago, President James Buchanan signed the bill that admitted Oregon as the 33rd STATE to join this great union. Mr. President, 150 years ago, there were barely 50,000 people living in Oregon. Pictures from that era show hearty men and women standing in mud streets in front of clapboard buildings. That would soon change as thousands migrated across the continent on the Oregon Trail, a trek that would become synonymous with the American spirit. Those who made that arduous journey were not nomads aimlessly wandering the land looking for a quick buck. They came with a purpose: to work hard and to make a new start in a new land. And what a new land it was. Oregon was graced by providence with endless forests, rivers teeming with fish, fertile valleys, majestic mountains, a dramatic coast line, and rugged high deserts. Today, more than 3,500,000 people live in Oregon, which continues to boast some of the NATION's most unique and beautiful forests, farm lands, mountains, coast line and high deserts. They still beckon to those who seek a better life, much in the same way as those who endured the Oregon Trail. In some parts of Oregon the tracks made by the pioneers covered wagons are still visible, forever etched in the landscape. Oregon has its geographic icons such as the Columbia River, Crater Lake, and Mount Hood.”