Portland facts & stats

Question 1

What is the capital of Oregon, the state where Portland is located?

Accepted Answer

Salem. Although Portland is Oregon's largest city, the state capital is Salem.

Question 2

Which river flows through downtown Portland, Oregon?

Accepted Answer

The Willamette River. The Willamette River divides Portland into east and west sides, crossed by many bridges.

Question 3

According to local history, how was the name 'Portland' chosen in 1845?

Accepted Answer

By a coin toss. Founders Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove flipped a coin, now called the Portland Penny, and Pettygrove won.

Question 4

Portland, Oregon was named after which other US city?

Accepted Answer

Portland, Maine. Pettygrove was from Maine and named the city after Portland there; Lovejoy had wanted 'Boston'.

Question 5

What is the name of Portland's huge wooded park in the northwest hills, one of the largest urban forests in the US?

Accepted Answer

Forest Park. Forest Park covers more than 5,000 acres with many miles of trails inside the city.

Question 6

Portland's 19th-century nickname 'Stumptown' came from what?

Accepted Answer

Tree stumps left after forests were cleared. Trees were cut so fast as the city grew that stumps were left standing along the streets.

Question 7

Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park was created on land once used for what?

Accepted Answer

A highway called Harbor Drive. Harbor Drive, a highway along the downtown riverbank, was removed in the 1970s and replaced by the riverfront park.

The basics