The origin of the name “Oregon” cannot be determined exactly. The first written mention can be found in a document written in 1765 by the English Major Robert Rogers, in which reference is made to a river with the Indian name “Ouragon”. Historians say that Oregon was most likely named after the Columbia River, which itself was named “Oregon,” which is French for “hurricane. ” Others believe the name came from a mapmaker’s mistake in the 1700s. There is talk of “Ouisconsink”, the Wisconsin River. Oregon has a very diverse landscape with scenic coastlines, the Cascade Mountains, which are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a volcanic chain on the Pacific Ocean, lush forests, and the high desert areas in the east of the state, where deserts, prairies, and rangelands meet alternate. Many Native American tribes, including the Bannock, Chasta, Chinook, Kalapuya, Klamath, Molalla, Nez Perce, Takelma, and Umpqua, lived in what is now Oregon by the 16th century. James Cook explored the country on his quest for the “Northwest Passage” (to China). Forts were built, companies like the Pacific Fur Company (1811) established outposts. During the War of 1812 between the United States of America and Great Britain, the British gained control of all Pacific Fur Company posts . In the 1818 treaty, both parties were given equal rights to the region west of the Rocky Mountains. In 1843, the first official government was installed, which lasted until its annexation by the United States. At the same time, the Oregon Trail, one of North America’s major east-west routes, brought many new American settlers to Oregon from the east. The Oregon Territory was established in 1848. Oregon became the 33rd state to join the Union on February 14, 1859. In the 1850s, the construction of the railroad greatly facilitated the marketing of lumber and wheat, and initiated rapid urban growth. As one of the top four hazelnut-growing regions in the world, Oregon produces 96% of the United States’ hazelnuts. Before Prohibition (1919-1933), when the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States was banned by the 18th Amendment, Oregon was an important wine producing region. By the early 1960’s, wine making was commercialized and growing over the years it has become an important industry in the country. With over 300 wineries, Oregon ranked third in the United States. Because of the similar climate and soil conditions, there is the same variety as in the French wine-growing regions of Burgundy and Alsace. In the north-east region mainly Waizen is grown, there are also many farms raising cattle and sheep. Other notable agricultural products include dairy products, eggs and poultry. Check topschoolsoflaw.com for brief history of the state of Oregon.