Oregon Topics: History
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Oregon's history is one of contrasts. The state developed under the premise of maximizing the extraction of natural resources such as timber and mining products from the land, often with little regard for the consequences—either to the land or the communities. Yet at the same time it developed a strong environmental movement and communities that fought through the boom and bust cycles. Oregon's contrasts can be seen in the tensions that continue to exist between urban and rural lifestyles and philosophies. The debate continues over the question of growth versus preserving the values that make Oregon unique.
These contrasts and others are discussed further in the Oregon History section as well as the following links.
Oregon Blue Book
(includes contact information, agency history, records retention schedules, budgets, and records held by the Oregon State Archives)
Oregon State Archives
Oregon Experience (history television documentaries from from Oregon Public Broadcasting)