This partial list of city nicknames in Oregon compiles the aliases, sobriquets and slogans that cities in Oregon are known by (or have been known by historically), officially and unofficially, to municipal governments, local people, outsiders or their tourism boards or chambers of commerce. City nicknames can help in establishing a civic identity, helping outsiders recognize a community or attracting people to a community because of its nickname; promote civic pride; and build community unity.[1]Nicknames and slogans that successfully create a new community "ideology or myth"[2] are also believed to have economic value.[1] Their economic value is difficult to measure,[1] but there are anecdotal reports of cities that have achieved substantial economic benefits by "branding" themselves by adopting new slogans.[2]
Some unofficial nicknames are positive, while others are derisive. Many of the unofficial nicknames listed here have been in use for a long time or have gained wide currency.
^Albany Area Chamber of Commerce websiteArchived 2011-09-09 at the Wayback Machine, accessed January 5, 2008. "The Albany area is known as the 'grass seed capital of the world,' because Linn County is the leading producer in the U.S. of ryegrass grass seed."
^Track Town U.S.A. is back, The Oregonian, June 26, 2008: "As it prepares to stage its first U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in 28 years, Eugene seems to be channeling some of the fearless spirit of the legendary Steve Prefontaine.... Eugene aims for nothing less than cementing its place in history as Track Town U.S.A."
^Early Towns and Cities: From Robin's Nest to StumptownArchived 2011-10-05 at the Wayback Machine, End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website, by Clackamas Heritage Partners, Oregon City, Oregon. Rapid urban growth and demand for lumber during the city's early years led to extensive logging of the surrounding hills.
