Portlanders may lead the country in recycling, food culture, and keeping things weird, but you may be surprised to learn about these 5 historically significant things that residents of our great city were the first in the world to create. While the list is not long, the mark on society is significant and lasting. Even Portland natives may be unaware of some of the things Portland did first.

1. Chainsaw Chains
Ewen Roberts / Flickr
Portlanders know a thing or two about trees. Back in the heyday of logging, Portland inventor and businessman Joseph Buford Cox invented the chipper-type chain for chain saws. Basing his design on the C-shaped jaws of the larva of the timber beetle, Cox's design is still in use today.
2. Wikis
Octavio Isaac Rojas Orduña / Flickr
Long before Wikipedia took over the internet, Portland computer programmer Ward Cunningham developed the world's first wiki. Cunningham is a leader in design patterns and extreme programming, and programmed WikiWikiWeb in 1994.
3. The Computer Mouse
The Beard / Flickr
American engineer and inventor Douglas Engelbart hails from Portland, and under his guidance at the Augmentation Research Center Lab in SRI International, the computer mouse was invented. He was also in charge of projects that resulted in the creation of hypertext, networked computers, and graphical user interfaces, making his substantial mark on the internet, computers, and the world. When it comes to Portland inventions, the computer mouse is arguably among the most influential in our society.
4. The Simpsons
Jessie.yang / Flickr
Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons, introduced the world to this lovable family and continues to tell their story today. The Simpsons is notable as the longest-running Prime Time show in history, as well as the longest-running animated series and sitcom.
5. Nike
Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine / Flickr
One of the most surprising fun facts about Portland, Oregon is that Nike co-founder Phil Knight hails from Portland. He created one of the largest global sports brands in the world. Nike's "swoosh" logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. Knight also owns the stop-motion film company Laika.

Do you know of any other Portland firsts? Feel free to share in the comments below!

If you’re interested in uncovering more Portland history, check out these 8 photos of Portland from the early 1900s, as well as this list of some of the oldest photos of Portland. It adds a great deal of perspective to look to the past in order to appreciate how far we’ve advanced in the current era, as well as imagine what new frontiers remain to be discovered.

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Fun Facts About Portland, Oregon

Jessica Moore | June 02, 2023

What is Portland, Oregon known for?

Portland Oregon is known for being quirky and unusual in character, as well as lively with music, art, and culture. Additionally, Portland is known for the following:

  • Hometown of Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons, who often drew inspiration from the town itself
  • Home to Mel Blanc, "the most famous voice in America" for voicing many famous Warner Brothers Cartoons
  • Craft Beer
  • Environmentally conscious
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Celebrations of individuality
  • Portland Saturday Market - The biggest outdoor market in the country
  • Willamette Valley - Over 700 wineries

 

We've got an even more depth breakdown of 12 things people really think of Portland Oregon to get the full behind-the-scenes scoop on this quirky city.

Where are the best places to take photos in Portland, Oregon?

The best places to take photos in Portland, Oregon include the following:

 

For more photo-worthy spots in Portland, check out our list of the 10 Most Enchanting Man-made Wonders in Portland.

Where can I find the best Portland cuisine?

You can find the best Portland cuisine scattered throughout the city - after all, good food is one of the things Portland does best! For a list of delicious eateries to start with, we suggest the following:

 

For more cuisine ideas around Portland, here are the 8 best sandwich places in town, as well as 13 iconic eateries.

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