The U.S. State of Jefferson?

In October of 1941 several frustrated citizens in the 4 Southernmost counties of Oregon and the 3 Northernmost counties in California, began a movement to form their own state. They were upset about the poor condition of the roads in the area. They proclaimed their state Jefferson after the 3rd President. Several local newspapers supported the movement and it was widely talked about in the area.
The discussion ended quickly on December 7th, 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Had World War II not begun perhaps there would have been a 51st state.

Worst Bio-Terrorist Attack in U.S. History

In 1984 a group of followers of the Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh faith orchestrated a deliberate attack on the people of The Dalles, Oregon. The faith with roots in India was attempting to keep people from voting in a local election and thereby increasing the chances of their own candidates.
Salmonella culture was sprayed on salad bars in at least 10 restaurants in the area. At least 750 people became sick and 45 were hospitalized. Nobody died from the exposure. The plot was discovered when some of the followers confessed to local authorities.

Source

A Famous Coin Toss

Asa and Francis shared a 640 acre land claim and each wanted to name the new area after their home town. Asa was from Boston, Massachusetts and Francis was from Portland, Maine. Francis won a coin toss to decide the matter and the area still holds the name of Portland, Oregon.

Skid Row

When loggers started cutting down the gigantic redwood trees in Oregon and California, they were too large for oxen to pull across bare ground. To solve the problem the logs were pulled across paths of fallen limbs called "skid roads". As lumber camps attracted bars, brothels and other disreputible business, they set up along the skid roads. Over time any neighborhood of a poor reputation became known as "skid row".