Perched atop the Oregon State Capitol stands a gilded statue of a bearded man. Is he a politician? A hipster? Marketing for the Portland Timbers?
No. The "gold man" is the "Oregon Pioneer," a symbol of the independent spirit of Oregonians.
The ability of ordinary people to affect change in Oregon is a long-standing tradition, exemplified by the regilding of the Oregon Pioneer in 1984. When the Oregon Legislature was unable to appropriate funding for the refurbishment, school children collected $40,000 worth of dimes to complete it.
Come and take a guided or self-guided tour. Your Oregon Capitol is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, and on occasional weekends for special events. Admission is always free. Check the tours page for tour departure times. If you can’t visit in person, take a virtual tour of the capitol and building grounds here.
Everyday people just like you have shaped Oregon’s laws. How? Visit the Capitol and read about their stories in interpretive exhibits.
You can also begin your journey of discovery on this website, by reading stories about how citizens like you helped create some of Oregon’s unique laws.
Or, visit one of the hundreds of historical sites near you where you can read about citizens in action.
You are invited to participate in the making of laws. Yes, we mean that. That’s what a democracy is. While inside the Capitol, you can talk to your legislator, testify, or volunteer.
But you don’t have to be at the Capitol to make a difference. You can be anywhere. Write your legislator, testify in writing, connect with your local government or neighborhood association, track bills, volunteer for political action committees, run for office, and, of course, vote.
Virtual Tours
Take a Virtual Tour.
