Uncover Portland

Portland, Oregon, nestled in the Pacific Northwest, is renowned for its lush greenery, eco-conscious culture, and vibrant arts scene. Known as the "City of Roses" for its abundant rose gardens, Portland is celebrated for its emphasis on sustainability and its booming food scene.

The city is best known for its unique and eccentric individualism. Today, however, the city has been typecasted as a hipster's haven: from handle-bar mustaches and unicycles. But, there's more to Portland than its artisanal coffees and banjos.

Scroll on to learn about 5 unexpected stories about Portland that might help expand your understanding of the city. While there's still big mustaches and unicycles, Portland has a lot more to offer – from its Native & Asian heritage to its sprawling and lush nature.

Nestled on the ancestral lands of 8 tribes like Multnomah, Chinook, and Kalapuya – Portland has the 9th largest urban Native community in the U.S. Despite Oregon's devastating history of colonization, Portland celebrates its Native roots.

The Portland we know today began in the 1800s when two pioneers, Asa Lovejoy and Francis Pettygrove, flipped a coin to decide the city's name, and Portland emerged on the banks of the Willamette River.

The 20th century brought both challenges and triumphs for the city.  Vanport, a diverse community, faced a devastating flood in 1948, leaving a lasting impact on the city. Yet, Portland's resilience shone through as it rebuilt and evolved.

In the 1970s and 80s, a cultural renaissance took hold. Portland embraced its weird and quirky side, becoming a haven for artists, musicians, and those who celebrated individuality. The slogan "Keep Portland Weird" became a rallying cry, reflecting the city's unique spirit.

As the 21st century dawned, Portland became a pioneer in environmental sustainability. The city's commitment to being green earned it the nickname "The City of Roses," symbolizing both its blooming gardens and eco-conscious ethos.

Explore the historic Chinatown and Japantown, dating back to the 1800s, and find serenity in the Portland Japanese Garden, a collaborative masterpiece with Tokyo. These cultural highlights enrich Portland's dynamic character with tales of history and aesthetic beauty.