Oregon is full of creativity and inventiveness. From Hacky Sacks to Tillamook cheese, here are 10 things that originated in Oregon. They may surprise you!
10. Marionberries
Marionberries are one of Oregon's prized inventions. Subsequently, so is marionberry pie, marionberry milkshakes, etc. The delicious berries are a cross between two kinds of blackberries, and they were created at Oregon State University.
9. The Nike swoosh
Besides being headquartered in Beaverton, Nike has some strong ties to Oregon. Here's a fun fact: the brand's iconic swoosh logo was designed by a Portland State University student in 1971. The logo was sold to the then-young Nike Corporation for only $35! (Source: Mentalfloss)
8. Tillamook Cheese
Tillamook County Creamery is located in Oregon, and is the biggest dairy processing facility in North America. The factory makes award winning cheese that is sold all over the country.
7. Lots of beer
Oregon has an astounding number of breweries, and produces some of the best craft beer in the country. Some of the most popular brands are Rogue Ales and Ninkasi.
6. Pendleton Blankets
Pendleton Woolen Mills was created in the early 20th century in Oregon, and continues to produce the iconic Pendleton blankets which were made for local Native American tribes based on traditional patterns and designs.
5. The first wiki website was created in Oregon.
"A wiki is a website which allows collaborative modification of its content and structure directly from the web browser" (Wikipedia). The very first wiki software was developed in Oregon in 1995.
4. Maraschino cherries
While the original maraschino cherries come from Europe, the version we are most familiar with was developed at Oregon State University.
3. The computer mouse
The computer mouse was invented by a Portlander in 1970.
2. Hacky sacks
Although footbags existed in many different variations for a long time prior, the hack sack as we know it was invented and trademarked in 1972 by two Oregonians.
1. Erector Sets
Erector sets are toys made up of miniature construction sets that are used to assemble and reassemble models, sort of like Lincoln Logs or Legos. The idea was first conceived by an Oregon-born magician/ inventor/ athlete named Alfred Carlton Gilbert.
Did any of these surprise you? What else was invented in Oregon? Let us know in the comments.
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