WITH eyes on a promising
future, residents of Union County honor and remember the past.
The hardy pioneer spirit is still very active today in the way
we live our lives; close to nature, working hard, neighbor helping
neighbor, and respectful of lessons learned. |
This valley was a seasonal
home to several tribes, who spent the warm seasons here and wintered
over the Blue Mountains in the milder climate along the Umatilla
River. Here, they enjoyed lush wild pastures for their horses,
gathered and dried camas roots as a food staple for winter, used
the hot water that bubbled up from the ground and hunted and fished
in the valley and foothills. Huckleberries were a favorite fruit
of the past and are still treasured today. Don't miss a late summer
opportunity for
huckleberry pie or jam at a local restaurant or farmer's market! |
 Early
emigrants following the Oregon Trail passed through our picturesque
valley and rested at the present-day site of La Grande before climbing
the Blue Mountains and traveling on to the Willamette Valley. By
the mid-1800s, settlers had moved into the fertile valley and the
surrounding forests were supplying mills for lumber. Gold mining
in the region created a closer market for agriculture products and
speeded settlement. The agriculture and timber industries are still
strong today. |
| HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Here are some ways you can hit the trail and explore our area's
fascinating history. You will find people proud of their heritage
and eager to share stories of the past. |
THE OREGON TRAIL INTERPRETIVE
PARK AT BLUE MOUNTAIN CROSSING
A paved, easily accessible trail follows some of the best preserved
and most scenic traces of the Oregon Trail. Interpretive panels
depict the pioneers' struggle through the tall trees and over the
rugged Blues. Living history presentations some weekends. Settlement
era logging exhibit. Picnic area, hiking trails, restrooms and
drinking water. Open weekends and holidays, May to October. Operated
by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest; trail park fee. Exit #248
off I-84 fourteen miles west of La Grande. Follow signs two miles
to park. |
UNION COUNTY MUSEUM
This acclaimed museum houses the wonderful Cowboys Then & Now
Exhibit, along with exhibits showing the rich natural and cultural
history of the Grande Ronde Valley. Located on Main Street in Union's
National Historic District. Union is known for its collection of
Victorian homes and brick commercial buildings. Open Mother's Day
through September, 562-6003. Take Hwy. 203 from La Grande or Hwy.
237 from North Powder to Union. |
EASTERN OREGON FIRE MUSEUM
The museum is housed in La Grande's historic fire station, in use
from 1899 to 2002. Climb on vintage and antique fire trucks,
some beautifully restored to their original condition.102 Elm
Street, downtown La Grande. 963-8588 for hours. |
ELGIN OPERA HOUSE &
MUSEUM
The beautifully restored, acoustically perfect 1912 Opera House
is a great place for specially scheduled movies, plays, live theater
and entertainment. The museum covers history of Elgin and Indian
Valley. Take OR Hwy. 82 to Elgin, 20 miles north of La Grande.
Call 541-437-2014 for events and hours. |
GANGLOFF PARK
This hillside park offers a wonderful view of the city and the
Grande Ronde Valley, and is a great place for a spring picnic.
Paved nature trail provides wheelchair access. The park is being
restored to pre-settlement and settlement era vegetation. Oregon
Historical Marker. Hwy. 30 (Adams Ave.) at the northwest edge
of La Grande. |
LION'S BIRNIE PARK
This was once the site of the staging area used by pioneers as they
journeyed west on the Historic Oregon Trail. At this spot, they
rested their oxen and horses, repaired their wagons, and allowed
themselves a short rest before tackling the difficult climb over
the Blue Mountains. B Avenue, the south edge of the park, was the
Oregon Trail. Today the park houses an artistic monument to the
emigrants and a play area for your little travelers to burn off
some energy. Take Sixth Street south to C Avenue, turn left and
you will see the parking lot and park on your right. |
HISTORIC HOMES AND URBAN
LANDSCAPING WALKING TOURS
Take a walking tour of La Grande's historic homes and landscaping.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as you saunter through the beautifully
shaded streets of the city's west hills. A written guide explains
the style and history of chosen homes along the tour. Pick up the
guide at the Visitor Center at 102 Elm Street.click
for a picture |
102
Elm Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850