We reported in this story that Oregon's Constitution was drafted at what is now Champoeg State Park. That is incorrect. The Organic Code of the Provisional Government was adopted at Champoeg in 1843. But in 1857 the state's constitution was drafted in Salem. Thanks to Thomas McClintock, Professor Emeritus of History at OSU, for pointing out the error.
Today is Oregon's birthday.
At the time, African Americans were legally barred from the state. That exclusionary law has long since been repealed. But several racist references remain the Oregon Constitution. As Oregon celebrates statehood, some Oregon lawmakers are pushing to remove that antiquated and offensive language from the state constitution. Colin Fogarty reports.