Oregon is known as "The Beaver State", with agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, tourism and high technology as the primary businesses. Oregon is one of the most livable states in the country. American Captain Robert Gray discovered and sailed into the Columbia River in 1792. Lewis and Clark stayed in Oregon during the winter of 1805 and fur traders followed shortly thereafter. The first permanent settlement was at Willamette Valley in 1834 and by 1843, the Oregon Trail opened the state to many more easterners. Oregon was an innovative political state during the early 20th century, introducing referendums, recalls, direct primaries and woman suffrage. Oregon became the 33rd state on February 14, 1859. @
