NION
COUNTY OREGON,
IS SITUATED IN THE NORTHEASTERN PORTION OF THE STATE
.A. T
COMPRISES ABOUT NINETY TOWNSHIPS OR ABOUT 2,000,000 ACRES OF LAND.
The valleys arc of un itvera;:e elevation of about 2,000 feet above sen lercl, the highest mountain
peakH lieitiK iiiiout (1,000 feet nnd eontiniinlly covered with snow, whieh furnishes a water supply for
numerous atreaiiiH the year round.
THE CLIMATE
Ih dry ami healthful, there being a sullielent rainfall to preserve the inoiHtnre of the soil and mature
crops. Snow seldom falls to the depth of one foot in the valleys, and never remains lonucr than from
two to three weeks at a time.
The mean temperature for the winter months is nbout "0 decrees above freezing point, and for
the summer months about 70 alovc zero, the heat of tho day being ollset by eool nights that ensure
refreshing and invigorating sleep nnd rest for the fatigued
The winter season usua ly begins about the first of December and lasts till tho middle of Fobruary
or first of March, when the husbandman is given an opportunity to prepare for his springs seeding.
From March 1st to July 1st, the monotony of warm and dry weatiier is broken by frequent showers
of rain furnishing suficient moisture to the ground and tempering the atmosphere so as to assure the
farmer an abundant yield. ...
During the months of July, August and September, whieh are the harvesting months in thin
county, tho weather is usualy dry and adapted to the successful gathering of crops. Generally
enough rain falls in thu nutuinn 'months to moisten the ground sufficiently to permit tho farmer to
prepare the same for his fall grain.
There is no country in tho United States more blessed by n healthful climate than Union County,
as the vigor and enterprise of is citizens will prove.
Tho various contagions prevalent in many localities nro almost whollv unknown here, nnd are
usually very mild in their attacks when thev do appear. There has only been ono case of Smallpox in
Union County since its settlement, and chills ami lover are totally unknow n. We have no tornadoes
or hurricanes to lay wasto the country, destroy property and the lives of people, nor blizzards to
freeze tho life out of Immunity, Nor do we have the fogy and damp atmosphere w hich is found West
of the Cascade Mountains.
SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.
There is 1,407,500 Acres of Surveyed Land in the County ; the rest is unsurveyed, tl
veyed portion being valuable for Timber, 1'asture and abounding in Mineral Deposits. Tl
of tho County are Grande Hondo, Indian, North Powder, llig Creek, Kagle, Pine and Star!
the rest is unsurveyed, the unsur-
i. Tlie valleys
Jounty are Grande Hondo, Indian, North Powder, lhg Creek, luigle, Pino and btarkey. ine
soil in these valleys is well adapted to tho raising of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Hye, Timothy, Clover and
Alfalfa, Vegetables and Fruits, such ns Apples, Plums, Pears, Peaches, Cherries, strawberries, and
in fact all of the smaller varieties grow to perlection.
Tho yield of Wheat is from 25 to f0 busholB to the aero, Ilarloy from -10 to 70, Oats about tho same
as Hurley, with exceptions in some localities, when as high as 100 bubbels of outs hns been raised to
the acre. Tho Mountains are covered with a Fino Growth of Timber, consisting of Pine, Tamrnck,
Spruce, etc. Tho most valuable is tho Pine, whieh is used in the lumbering industry, also some of
the larger species of Tarnrac, but this cIubs of timber is used chiefly to furnish wood ties, etc., which
is amply sullicient to supply tho surrounding country for ages.
The mineral resources of tho County nro only tmrtiulv developed, but sullicient prospecting nnd
mining has been done to prove that great ledges of ore interline tho mountain sides, which, when
sullicient capital is employed in their development, will be a great factor in tho general summary of
t'-o wealth of the County." A more detailed account of tho Mines and Mineral Resources of the
County will bo found further on.
STOCK V ISI IN .
The assessment roll of tho county lor tho year 1888, shows that there were 21.740 head of horses,
i!8,t&S Mead of Cattle, f5,Fi5 Head of Sheep, and 5,570 Head of Swine, showing of itself that the County
is ii great Stock IluisliiK Heitiou. Thousands of bund of slock nro yearly shipped, brhiKhiK to the owners
thoieof a neat prollt on their investment. .... .' . .
In fact, tho stock business tins been nnd still Ih tho most paying of any in the country and It
bids fair to continue to bo such for ninny years to como. The liuneli uruss growing upon the hills nnd
mountain is very nutritious, stock fntteiiiiiK In a very short time, ready for mnrkei. Usually stock hs
to lit fed bar for from ono to two months during tho winter, hut In mnnv places horses will winter upon
tho bunch urass and do well. The climate Is such that sto k nilsed Is of a hardy and healthful charac
ter, hIvIiikJo work horses a stroiui constitution ami powerful muscle.
Th't milk cow horo Utalns perfection. Sheep nro very hoaltliy nnd produce heavy lleeces. The
dairying business In tho hi't few years has developed Into a hii-jro nnd profitable one, tho country being
specially aapteil to tho bulni'ss by reason of tho milk producing qualities of the grasses and the ex
cellent lange, the large quantity of liny and g nln raised per acre, tho heulthfulness of animals, the
largo water supply nnd thunulok market of Hut ter and Cheese. The Jersey, llolstino mid Durham are
rapidly taking the place of llio common breed of cattle, anil dairymen are giving considerable attention
to the ir.'edl.g of their cows. ... . ... , ,. , tl
It Is suld moro prollt can hi realised per year from a milk cow In this country than any other in the
United Slstes, ono instance being gtvu of n single cow for one year, yielding a net prollt to tho owner
of 8175 bi'siiies the calf
Tw reuiuoiies nro In operation at the Cove, tu this county, whlh nmko 12001) pounds of cheese,
worlh I I cents per pound, and 75,(M 0 pounds butter, worth '25 cents per p untl.
This year a creamrrv Is lu operation at La Gr-ndo, with what success remains to bo seen, although
no doubt, enn bo enturlulued but that ll will prove to he n profitable concern.
ITS MINING RESOURCES.
The Mining District of Un'on County are Cornucopia, Sparta and Sanger. Cornucopia District is
in tho K stern portion of the County, nnd enibrnc.'-i a section about ten iiiIIch Mimre, within which there
are about 1100 qurtx locutions. The formation In gninilennd slate; the ledges running In a Sotitheurtoiiy
and Northwesterly direction. The first locations were made hern hi UvSi. The quart, contains Cold nnd
Silver, tho gold predominating. Some of tho lodes ure fro a milling, but they generally contain Iihmo
metal an lit consequence wl I have to bo treated in reduction works. Assujb have been made ot ore from
the different groups, showing an avemgo yield of from 25 to h0 per ton. When the proper metln ds
nro employed to work these ledges to the best advantage, Cornucopia will bo considered the Now
"Kldorudo of the West." , , , ,
Tho Or gon Gold Mining Company, of LouUvllle, Ky , is the only company represented in tho dls
ti Jet. lthas opened up-everal of Hr ledges, which weie obtained at from SIP.iOO to $20,000 each.
The Hed Jat kt t, belonging to litis company, Is a well donned ledge, averaging nbout four feet In
thickness and when struck on the lowest tunnel, was found to ho a mass of tho golden metal. This
company has a -lO-Stamp Mill running night and day upon the ore taken from this ledge. Seven thou
sand five hundred pounds of sulphurets were secured the first month of this spring's operations, besides
Immense qtiantllle-. of free fold caught upon tho niim'giini pans.
This company's expenses hi hulldlmiH. machinery, roads, developments, etc., hn amounted to over
8.100 0 0. Thoy have the Whitman, which has a shaft sunk over 1,500 feet and shows betterns the work
progresses; the Aha No. 2, which Is developed sulllclently to Indicate n well defined ledge of high grade
ore. The present superintendent. Profe-sor Smith. Is hluhly pleased with the prospect for his company
ami predicts a second LeadvWoof Cornucopia. Many other ledges of tho camp with 100 feet or more
of development work are showing up well, among w hich nro the Simmons gr up, comprising the Key.
stone, Chcckiun'c, Kmplre and lluckeye, nil situuted on the Simmons Muiiutuln and 'aid to be the l est
group of mines in the camp, No the Mine Dell, Little Casino and Monte Cliri to, situated on Die mine
mountain nnd extensions if tho Simmons ledges, showing unite grade and character of ore. Tho V ay
Up northeast of Cornucopia, shows some of the rlchot ore of any in camp nnd Is no doubt nu extension
of the Mine Hell and Simmons group. The Union. Companion. Last Chan e, Hubert F.inmot. Forest
Oueen, lied Hoy, Muv Flower, Cox and Allen, Hed Cross, Steen groupe, Stella, Tiger Hoy. Climax
and Queen of tlie West tire nil sulllclently developed to show them to be good ledges uud contain paying
ore In gnatqiiuntilles. The Cornucopia or Pine c'reek district h a rich one wltli an unlimited amount
of ore and only lacks capital to prove Its wondeiful richness, It Is destined to be one of tho richcHt
camps lu existence.
The Sanger mines are operated bv a Sun Francisco Company, which began its operations two vears
ii, buying llio ledges for SI7,0i 0 uuil now cleaning up on an averuue of STO.OfO per month. Tho-o
nos are on the road between Union and Cornucopia, alxiut.i i miles east of Union, having a tri-weekly
lull from Union on to cornucopia, inns ucing pinccu in uircci, cuiiiiiiuiiil-uuuii niui i, uion, wioir irtui-
K 'I'ho'siiarta inlnt's are a''out. eight inlles southeast of Sanger and have been worked for the past
iventy years, still yielding Isrgo returns. Tho Simrta mines are mostly placer, but quite a number of
idges have latelv been found which, as for ns developed, Indicate good pu)lg ore. A mill la being
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AGRICULTURAL ITEREST.
Now to return to the Agricultural Interests of the County, the Largest, most Fertile and attractive
Valley of Union County, Is the Famous Giande Ronde. whose beauty is l ecoming known far and wide,
surrounded by lofty mountains upon which seems to rest the blue v-Milt above, wherever the eye
gazes It cannot help being enchanted by our beautiful scenery. This valley embraces 300,01 0 acres of
as fine Agricultural Land as cn b' found on the Pacific Const.
The Grande Hondo Hlver enters its boundary on the West nnd flows Laeterly through the center
of the va ley nnd thence Northerly and out at im Northern limits; 30x25 miles is its length nnd bredtli
and with Catherine Creek, the largest tributary of the Grande Hondo entering the valley at tlieboutn.
Mill Creek ente ring at the Fast and Willow Treek entering nt the North, with numerous other small
tributaries, make the Grande Ronde Val'ey ono of the best watered valleys in Oregon, all of the above
named streams nfTo'ding abundance of water the eason round.
The soil of this valley Is principally a black, rich ln-m with clay subsoil, there being a;out three
Townships of land having a sandy soil, known ns the Sand Ridge, nil of which produces excellent grain.
The yield of Wheat, Oats, Uarley Hye, Timothy, Alfalfa and Cloter is lorge, the cereals yielding
from 25 to 60 bushel per acre of Wheat. 40 to 100 for Oats nnd Barley, and Hay from 2 to 8 tons per acre;
frequently three crops of Alfalfa being cut in one season.
PRODUCTIONS AND EXPORTS.
Th prodiHng ami export of grain and hay from this valley is large and growing in quantity eacli
year. Besides the production of giain und hay for export, a immense quantity of fruits, including Ap
ples, Plums, Prunes, I'ears and sniaile fruits, alo gar 'en vegetables ate raised in great quantities and
marketed in the neighboring sections. Hutter nnd Cheese is also ono of our staple products. Stock
raising is engaeed in largely and profitably; as fine stock may be seen upon tho farms of Giande Ronde
Valley as anywhere, stocmiien and farmers always securing Ihe best bred animuls for breeding pur
poses. Taxes are no higher on fine than poor stock. The lands of thin valley- have all been taken, bat
choice place can be bought at from 815 to 30 per acre, wh ch is comparatively cheap. Many large
bodies of land owned by single Individuals and of the best quality cats be had at very reasonable rates,
which could be divided into several cood farms.
TIMBER.
The hills and mountains are covered with timber of the best quality for lumbering purposes and
easily reached. Hut little of the timber luud has been entered or taken up.
RAILROAD FACILITIES.
The O. R. & N. H. R. entering the valley at the southern portion and following tho foothills on the
Southwest, passes out of the valley on the West, traversing the Southwestern boundary of the valley
for a distance of 14 mile s.
Tho Hunt Railroad system will be extended during the next jear from Wal'a Walla, W. T., through
the Blue Mouiitans to Summcrville, in the northern portion of the valley and will then traverse the en
tiro length of tho valley through its center to Union. Upon the building of this road tlie valley will
have the best railroad facilities.
Puget Sound, W. T., is the terminal point of this line, putting Portand, Or., and the cities of the
Send in competition for tlie trade of the Valhy. the inipi r lance of which is evidenced by Ihe building
ot this second line of road. In concluding this description ol Grande Ronde Valley, it cmi be said with
out fear of contradiction, (hat no better oppoMunit is offered nnywnere in the Northwest for the home
seeker er capitalists than in Grande Hondo Vulley nnd Us vicinity. The resources of the valley nnd its
tributary sections will sustain manufacturing indust ius of nearly every kind of which we now have
hut very few. It will sustain ten times the population It now lias in the farming and dairying I usiness.
offering in this line advantages not to be found but in verv few places. Tlie raising of 1 borough bred
stock is a profitable business and there is hardlv an iuaividuut here solely in that business nt present.
To visit Grande Hondo Valley nd seo It and to investigate its advantages, is to locate here. In no
ifstance have people, who have visited this valley giv- n it other than the bestof reputation in regard to
climate, soil and everything that goes to constitute u good country.
The Grande Ronde Valley has several considerable towns mid villages: Union in the southern end
of the valley, La Grande at the base of the mom tains on the northwest Suiumerville in the northern
end of the valley, Cove about midway on the cast side, and Elgin in the extreme northern part of tho
valley.
UNIOJN,
Tho County Scat of Union County, is situated in the southern portion of the Fertile (iranile Knude Valley, suit 1ms
the best Natural Location for n Oily of any town in Hastcrn Oregon. Situuted, just at the base of rolling hills on both
sides of Catherine Creek, a beautiful, spa rklitig stream, whoso waters are pure as miture ever distilled and held
suspended In her mountain reservoirs, furnishing immense waterpower Just waiting to he utilized by the hand of
man for all kinds of mauufacturlug industries. In fact the water power is amply sullicient to make Union the Lowell
of Oregon If the attention of her enterprising citizens were turned In that direction, which will bo the case w hen new
blood and Kastern capitalists como In. This Is one of the best places lu Oregon for the erection of mauufacturles.
A woolen mill Is greatly needed uow, and some euergetlc capitalist who Is engaged lu such business would find
hero the chosen spot for such an enterprise, right lu the heart of a great wool-growing section of the country. No
high freights to pay, water-power lu abundance, and iu fact everjthlug that such a business would consume is pro
dnced here In the valley.
The present population of Union Is about 1,200. but when the O. .t V. T. railroad reaches here she will double her
population inside of six mouths. Kager eyes are watching to tke advantage of the present low prices lu property aud
procure for themselves a homo where they may live in peace aud plenty. Water works can bo put lu at very little ex
pense by running apart of Catherine creek iuto a large reservoir on the hill back of town. This will give all tho fall
wo want from 100 feet up: no expense of keening a steam pump and tho necessary repairs. This mountain stream
can be, made to ruu directly into the reservoir and all tho waste can bo utilized lu furnishing power for machinery
When once waterworks aro completed there will bo no need for wells, springs, etc., for no purer drinking water can be
found.
Our school facilities are unsurpassed. We have in our public school, a High School Grade. Tho school Is supplied
with every possible convenience. Everything is furnished by our liberal handed citizens, who believe in giving their
children a llrst-cjass education and that they can bo educated iu no better way thau by having a No. 1 School nt home
Tho school at present Is divided Into four compartments, all thoroughly graded. Students on completing the pre
scribed course of study receive a certificate to that ellect. An addition to the pieseut school building is in contomida
t Ion , also several hundred dollars worlh of apartments is soon to be added.
Morally anil socially, Union Is unexcelled and her hospitality is widely known throughout tho surrounding coun
try. We have four churches, all iu a nourishing condition. There aro six secret societies, doing much good to hu
manity. Wo have a number of storos'of dlll'ereut kinds, all doing a profitable business, as they supply a great agrictil
tiual district and the numerous milling camps lu the near vicinity. Wo are also supplied with several saloons bar
bershops, blacksmlthshops, etc., one principal hotel and several restaurants, so that the most fastidious tastes o'f tho
cplcurian can bo fully sntisfUd. We aro also supplied with two tint-class liver and feed stables so that strangers
s "" " " "'" i.w..u.v . iuni-1 ,.-, , .u,i nu., us ii hi ii u nut into mo cxnuierntlng
atmosphere and feasting his eyes upon the grand' ur of our mountain scenery, and breathing lu tho life-giving exygen
that can bo found now hero so pure as in Union County. To live Hasten v, who is not used to mountain scenery when
llret beholdluBOtir beautiful Iotlou, his first aud luvoluuia y exclamation is, "Pajndlso Found nt I ast "
uur county court nouse is well iiiiimuu in eciv nuilleu nr. I
to I
improvi
uperu
slvlo.
i .1 ; " , - . 1 r ,1 . V ' . ... .......w.i in v in?, is Biiuaieii a1
lug ine iowii. . iso several suw iiiiiis in me near viciuiiv I lie lumnern ir interest is iiouiu in i,....,i .,,,!,
ture in our Industries. "v " '
Taki n all iu all, Union Is one of tho best towns In Kastern Oregon. Heretofore she has been kept back ou account
of poor rallmn I facilities, but when the Hunt Sstom of lUilroad Is completed into Union, its latent resources will bo
dowlupoii nun it will take its place among the thriving cities of our (and. We have one of tho loveliest' towns iu
Oregon, and a great deal of wealth is here already All that is now needed Is for people to como ami take ailvautago
of the gieat Inducements soon to bo thrown at the feet of every euerKctie man possessing either brains or muscle
The ph asure-sei ker or the Invalid can tiud no better place to while away the summer months Onlv three' miles
away can be found Hot S rings and Lakes reveling lu medical virtues and curative powers tho famous "'Kausas Hot
Spring-," Itheuinallsin and such complaints disappearing as if by the baud of some magician. Lovers of tho nlseatorlal
art will Hud the hcauallul sparkling wateis of Catherine i reek alhe with the gamy mountain and brook trout In tliu
edge of the mountains larger game nuiy be found, wtiil out in the uilley along the Grande Untitle river areireeso
swan and ducks lu abundance, lu the the grain field prairie chli keus aro quite plentiful Taking all these natural
aihautagcs for pleasure and bulness, we think people looking for a home can Hud no place sutndviug all their wants
belter lhan tho licautlful city of Unit n. " ' "
Mnce the much i talked of Hunt Hnllroad Isan assured fact, properly Is beginning to advance iu prices, though at
the present time city lots and blocks may be had at very reasonable rutes. h 1
ill) nig a lliree and comiiuulf not hull mi.i,.1- t.,ni..i.....
nccommodatcany and all audiences. It also hus In connection a iuil built bv the l'anlev lims . win. .it ti,..i, i.......
cd cells, thus nuking things secure amitn.-r the t scape of an prisoners that may' be confined thurclu Our
nouse is one oi tue largest tins si. to oi roniaiui, wltli Handsomely decorated curtains mid liulshed Iu sunerh
Cine larue and com mod Ions Finn rim- Mill, full rnllnr uroi nt. el ih nil iiwiHom mi .p.., , iu .i ...i .. .if ....
uoin-
THE UNION REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION
Now has in its possession tracts of land suitable for small farms, or they could be laid off into blocks. This asso
ciation has started in on a firm basis, having within its power the means, of handling property to a better advantage
than any firm in Union County. They already have numerous tracts adjoining the city; farms, loc, etc to
be sold on very reasonable terms or for cash.
Parties desiring information of Union County can do no better than interview or address the managers of this
association, ,
tnvtoiv,' OXM3CJOJV,
Who will cheerfully furnish thorn with till the information desired.