Dexter Honors The Oregonian’s 175 Years of Journalism, Enshrines Legacy in Congressional Record

The Oregonian is the longest continuously published newspaper west of Salt Lake City

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) celebrated The Oregonian marking 175 years in publication by formally entering a tribute into the Congressional Record, the permanent archive of the United States Congress.

Full text of Congresswoman Dexter's Congressional Record Statement can be viewed below and published here.

"Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone in American journalism: the 175th anniversary of The Oregonian, the oldest continuously published newspaper on the West Coast.

Since 1850, The Oregonian has been a vital thread in the fabric of Oregon's civic life, serving as a trusted source of information, accountability, and community connection.

Over its long history, the paper has earned eight Pulitzer Prizes, beginning with its first in 1937. That includes the distinguished 2001 Pulitzer for Public Service, awarded for its "detailed and unflinching" reporting on abuses within the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

This is a newsroom with deep roots and a wide reach. In 1922, The Oregonian launched Portland's first commercial radio station, what would eventually become KGW-TV, ushering in a new era of local broadcast journalism.

As a former student journalist, I know how powerful local reporting is. It informs. It connects. It holds the powerful accountable. And at a time when local journalism is under threat across this country, The Oregonian reminds us why it matters.

I thank the journalists, editors, photographers, and staff - past and present - for their service to our state and democracy.

Congratulations on 175 years, and here's to many more."

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