Historical Events tagged with "oregon"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Founding of Blue Ribbon Sports Company
Blue Ribbon Sports was established by University of Oregon track and field athletes Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight with a vision to create quality athletic footwear. The company initially began as a distributor for the Japanese shoemaker Onitsuka Tiger, marking the start of a partnership that would evolve over the years. The foundation was laid in the basement of Knight's home in Eugene, Oregon, where they sought to provide competitive running shoes to athletes in the U.S. Their focus on innovation would later revolutionize the athletic shoe industry.
Continue ReadingColumbus Day Storm Ravages Pacific Northwest
The Columbus Day Storm produced record wind speeds across the U.S. Pacific Northwest, particularly affecting areas in Oregon and Washington. This powerful windstorm occurred in October 1962, generating winds that reached up to 145 mph, causing extensive destruction. The storm led to severe damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, resulting in estimated losses of at least U.S. $230 million. Tragically, the storm also claimed the lives of 46 people, leaving a lasting impact on the affected communities.
Continue ReadingPan Am Flight 845/26 Ditches in the Pacific Ocean
Pan Am Flight 845/26, a scheduled flight traveling from Calcutta to Seattle via Tokyo and San Francisco, encountered mechanical failure over the Pacific Ocean near Oregon. The flight crew attempted an emergency landing, but the plane ditched in the ocean, resulting in the death of four passengers. Survivors were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, highlighting the challenges of mid-20th-century aviation safety.
Continue ReadingVanport Flood Dike Failure Obliterates City
The dike along the Columbia River broke, resulting in a catastrophic flood that completely inundated Vanport, Oregon, in a matter of minutes. During this disaster, fifteen lives were lost, and tens of thousands of residents were rendered homeless as the water surged through the area, erasing homes and memories in its path. The flood caused significant destruction and transformed the landscape of the region, leaving the community to grapple with the aftermath.
Continue ReadingJapanese Fu-Go Balloon Bomb Kills Six Oregonians
A balloon bomb launched by Japan during World War II killed six people in Oregon when it exploded. The bomb was carried on a Japanese high-altitude balloon, known as a Fu-Go, which was intended to reach the US. The deadly incident involved a group of children and their pastor discovering the remains of the device in the woods, triggering an explosion that resulted in casualties.
Continue ReadingJapanese Floatplane Bombs Oregon Coast
A Japanese floatplane conducted an aerial attack on the Oregon coast, dropping incendiary bombs on the town of Brookings. The attack aimed to cause fear and destruction, marking a rare instance of World War II combat operations on the American mainland. Though damage was minimal and no fatalities occurred, the psychological impact on local residents was significant.
Continue ReadingJapanese Submarine Attack on Fort Stevens
A Japanese submarine surfaced near the Columbia River, targeting Fort Stevens with 17 artillery shells. The attack, one of the few on the U.S. mainland during World War II, occurred along the Oregon coast. Fortunately, no significant damage was done, though the attack raised concerns about the vulnerability of the U.S. mainland to enemy action.
Continue ReadingTear Gas Used on Striking Longshoremen in Seattle
In Seattle, approximately 2,000 longshoremen participated in a waterfront strike demanding better working conditions. Law enforcement responded to the escalating tensions by deploying tear gas and using clubs against the striking workers. Simultaneously, the governor of Oregon ordered the National Guard to intervene at the Portland docks to restore order amid the ongoing labor conflict.
Continue ReadingLoggers Trigger the First Tillamook Burn
In August 1933, loggers in the Coast Range of Oregon inadvertently ignited a massive forest fire, later recognized as the first of the Tillamook Burn incidents. This catastrophic fire consumed approximately 240,000 acres (970 km²) of land, showcasing the vulnerability of forests to human activities. The event highlighted the risks associated with logging practices at the time and sparked important discussions about forest management and conservation.
Continue Reading