Oregon was inhabited by Indigenous peoples long before the arrival of European settlers, but the mid-19th century saw an influx of settlers traveling the Oregon Trail, motivated by the promise of fertile land and new opportunities. By the 1850s, the territory had grown significantly in population, prompting a movement toward statehood. The 1857 Oregon Constitutional Convention laid the groundwork by drafting a state constitution, which reflected the values and beliefs of the settlers. The proposal for statehood was presented to Congress, and after considerable debate, Congress approved Oregon's admission to the Union as the 33rd state in early 1859.

The formal admission was celebrated throughout the state, particularly in Salem, which became the state capital. The transition from a U.S. territory to a state brought Oregon a sense of legitimacy and stability, allowing for the establishment of a more structured government. President James Buchanan's signing of the statehood bill marked a pivotal moment, as it fulfilled the dreams of many settlers who had journeyed westward seeking a new life. The new state began to develop its laws, educational institutions, and infrastructure, setting the stage for future development and growth.

Oregon's admission as a state also played a role in the broader context of national politics. It represented the ongoing westward expansion and the growing complexities of balancing free and slave states. This admission was part of a larger narrative that would eventually lead to conflicts over slavery and states’ rights in the years leading up to the Civil War. The emphasis on westward expansion continued to shape national policies and the demographics of the burgeoning United States.