If
UNION
COUNTY
OREGON,
IS SITUATED IN THE NORTHEASTERN PORTION OF THE STATE
COMPRISES ABOUT NINETY TOWNSHIPS OR ABOUT 2,000,000 ACRES OF LAND.
The vnllojH nrc of nn average elevation of about 2,000 feet above sen level, the highest mountain
peakg boiti about 0,000 f6et. and continually covered with nnow, which furniHiies a water Hiipply for
numerous streams the year round.
THE CLIMATE
Is dry and healthful, there being a sufficient rainfall to preserve the moisture of the soil and mature
crops. Know seldom falls to the depth of one foot in the valleys, and never remains longer than from
two to threo weeks at a time.
Tho mean temperature, for the winter months is about '20 decrees above freezing point, and for
tho summer months about 70 alove zero, the heat of tho day being oHset by cool nights that ensure
refreshing and invigorating sleep and rest for the fatigued
The winter season usually begins about the first of December and lasts till the middle of February
or first of March, when the husbandman is given an opportunity to nreparo for his springs seeding.
From March 1st to July 1st, the monotony of warm and dry weather is brokon by frequent showers
of rain furnishing sullcient moisture to tho ground and tempering tho atmosphere so as t,o assure the
farmer an abundant yield.
During the months of July, August and September, which aro the harvesting months in this
county, tho weather is usualy dry and adapted to the successful gathering of crops. Generally
enough nun falls in thu autumn months to moisten the ground sufficiently to permit tho farmer to
prepare tho same for his fall grain.
There is no country in tho United States more blessed by a healthful climate than Union County,
ns the vigor and enterprise of is citizens will prove.
Tho various contagions prevalent in many localities aro almost wholly unknown here, and are
usually very mild in their attacks when thev do apivear. There has only been one case of Smallpox in
Union County since its settlement, and chills ami fever aro totally unknown. We have no tornadoes
or hurricanes to lay waste the country, destroy projH-rty and iho lives of people; nor blizzards to
freeze tho life out of humanity. Nor do wo have the fogy and damp atmosphere which is found West
of the Cascade Mountains.
SOIL AND PRODUCTIONS.
There :
e is 1, -107,000 Acres of Surveyed Land in the County; tho rest is unsurveyed, tho unsur-
voyed portion being valuable for Timber, l'asture and abounding in Mineral Deposits. J,he valleys
of tho County aro Grande Hondo, Indian, North Powder, liig Creek, Eagle, l'ine and Starkoy. Tl
soil in these valleys is well adapted to the raising of Wheat, Oats, Barley, Hye, Timothy, Clover ai
Alfalfa, Vegetables and Fruits, such ax Apples, Plums, Pears, Peaches, Cherries, strawberries, ai
lie
and
ml
in fact all of the smaller varieties urow to perfection
Tho yield of Wheat is from 25 to f0 bushels to the acre, Harloy from -10 to 70, Oats about the same
ns IJarley, with exceptions in some localities, when as high as 100 bushels of oats has been raised to
tho acre. Tho Mountains are covered with a Fine Growth of Timber, consisting of Pine, Tamrack,
Spruco, etc. Tho most valuable is tho Pine, which is used in tho lumbering industry, also some of
tho larger species of Tamrac, but this class of limber is used chiefly to furnish wood ties, etc., which
is amply sufficient to supply tho surrounding country for ages.
The mineral resources of the County aro only partiaiy developed, but sufficient prospecting and
mining has been done to prove that great ledges of ore interline the mountain sides, which, when
sufficient capital is employed in their development, will bo a great factor in tho general summary of
tho wealth of the County. A more detailed account of the Mines and Mineral Hesources of tho
County will bo found further on.
STOCK ItA-lKINC.
Tin; assessment roll of tho county lor the year 1888, shows Hint there were 21.710 head of horses,
28,!2;f I lend of Cuttle, fiS.fihB Head of Sheep, and 5,570 Head of Swine, showing of itself that thu County
is ii great Stock Kulslng Heelou. Thousands of head of stock aro yearly shipped, bringing to the owners
thereof a neat prollt on kholr investment.
In fact, ihe stock busincHs lins been nnd still Is the most paying of any in the country and it
bids fair to continue to be such for many years to como. The bunch grass growing upon thu hills and
mountains is very nutritious, stotk failoi.ing In n very short timu. ready for market. Usually stock his
to lm fed 'inr for from one to two mouths during tho winter, but in maiiv places horses will winter upon
tlio bunch grass and do well, l'ho climate is such that mo k raised is of a hardy and healthful charac
ter. irlvliiL' to work horses a strong constitution and powerful muscle.
Tr. i . ...... i i .... I,... tsi. ....... i.i... .,. ...i i. ....... ii. .....
Ill') llllUC COW HUTU HlUltllS JimiCUl I'll!. OtlUl-ll (HU linrllll (llltl HIMll1i;U IICIIVJ UtLTVIi
Tho
dairying business In the last few years has developed into a largo and profitable one, tho country being
e quantity
I the quick
to the breeding of their cows.
specially adapted to tho business by reason of tho milk producing qualities of the grasses midline ex
cellont range, the large quantity of hay and g'ain ral
iiirim win it Mimnlv and tlinnuick market of Hotter and
rapidly taking the place of the common breed of cattle, and dairymen aro giving considerable attention
ty ot nay ami gain rumen per
ok marketer llulter and Ulieeso.
acre, the hcultlifulncH.s of animals, the
the Jersey, llolstiuo and Durham aro
it. Is mil 1 more nroll t call bp realized per year from a milk cow In this country than any other in the
United Stines, one Instance being given of u single co for ono year, yielding a net prollt to tho owner
of 8175 besides the calf
Two i ivameilos aro In operation at the Cove, lu this county, which make 120,(01) pounds of cheese,
worth I I cents per pound, and 75,(M 0 pounds butter, worth 25 cents per p und.
This year a creamery Is in operation at I .a (irMiile, with what success remains to bo seen, although
no doubt can bo entertained but that It will prove to be a prolltablo concern.
ITS MINING RESOURCES.
The Mining Districts of Un'on County are Cornucopia, Sparta and Sanger. Cornucopia District is
In tho 15 stern portion or the county, ami emunuv's a section unoui ion iniica square, mini nich tnere
are about (S0O quirt z locations. Tho formation lit granite and slate; l he ledges l mining in a Soiithearturly
and North westerly direction. The first locations were made hew In 1881. Tho quartz contains Cold and
mi.r.it tin. imlil tiroi Imnlimtlnir. Some of thu lodes are fruu tnllllmr. but thev irencrullv contain Ii.iho
metal an In consequence will have to he treated in reduction works. Assays have been made of ore from
thu (llU'erent groups, showing an average yield of from if 25 to $l'(l per ton. When thu proper methrds
' are employed to work these ledges to tho best advantage, Cornucopia will be considered the New
"Eldorado of the West." . T .,,-,., ,
The Or gon Gold Mining Company, of I.ouuvlIIe, Ky , is the only company represented in the dis.
trict. It has opened upuvcral of its ledges, which weioobtalncd at from SSIU,t (XI to ifliO.POO each.
The Ited Jacket, belonging to this company, is a mll defined ledge, averaging about four feet in
thickness and when struck on the lowest tunnel, was found to bo a mass of thu golden metal. This
company has a lOrHainp Mill running night and day upon the ore taken from this ledge. Seven thou
sand ilvo hundred pounds of sulphurets were secured the llrst month of thin spring's operations, besides
Immense quantities of free Kold caught upon tho amalgam pans.
This company's expenses in buildings, machinery, roads, developments, etc., has amounted to over
?!I(X 0 0. They have the Whitman, which lias a shaft sunk over 1,500 feet and shows better as Iho work
progresses; the Alta No. 2, which is developed sufficiently toindlcato a well dellned ledge of high grade
ore. The present superintendent. Professor Smith, is highly pleased with the prospect for his company
and iiredicts a second Leadvillo of Cornucopia. Many other ledges of tho camp with 100 feet or more
of development work are showing up well, among which are the Simmons gn up, comprising the Key
stone, Chcckma'c, Empire and Uuckoyo, all situated on the Simmons Muuntain and mid to bo the l est
group of mines in tho camp, xlso Ihe Hlue Hell, Little Caslue and Monto Chri to, situated on lheanie
mountain and extensions of the Simmons ledges, showing same grade and character of ore. The W sy
Up northeast of Cornucopia, shows some of the richest ore of any In camp and is no doubt an extension
of the Hhio Hell and Simmons group. The Union, Companion. Last Chan e, Hohert Emmet, Forest
Ouccu, lied Hoy, Mav Flower, Cox nnd Allen, Hed Cross, Steen groupe, Stella, Tiger Hoy, Climax
and Queen of the West are all sufficiently developed to show them to bo good ledges and contain paying
oro in great quantities. The Cornucopia or Pine Creek district Is a rich one with an unlimited amount
of ore and only lacks capital to prove Its wonderful richness. It Is destined to bo ono of tho richest
camps In existence. . . .
Tho Sangur mines are operated by a San 1 ranclsco Company, which began Its operations two years
ngo, buying the ledges for 17,0 '0 anil now cleaning up on an averauo of 870.OTO per month. Those
niin'us are on the road letween Union and Cornucopia, alout tt'l miles east of Union, having a tri-weekly
mall from Union on to Cornucopia, thuB being placed in dinet communication with Union, their tract-
VOXIOXJTTtJIVIl. INTERESTS.
O
u
N
T
Y
ing point.
The Sparta mines are about eight miles southeast of Sanger and
ronty years, still yielding Inrge returns. The Sparta mines are mostlj
lges have latulv been found which, as far ns developeu, indicate go
twt
lilfll.llu 1
built hero ond good returns aro expected from its work.
have been worked for the past
placer, but oulto a number of
good paying ore. A mill Is being
Now to return to the Agricultural Interests of the County, the Largest, most 1-ertllo and attracti ve
Valley of Union County, is the Famous Grande Honde, whose beautv is iecomlng known far and wide,
surrounded bv lofty mountains upon which seems to rest the blue vult above. Wherever the eye
gazes it cannot help being enchanted by our beautiful scenery. This valley embraces d(JU,U0 acres ot
as fine Agricultural Land as cn b found on the Pacific Const. ,,.,. i .i i -
The Grande Hondo Piver enters its boundary on the West nnd Hows Easterly through the center
of the va ley and thence Northerly and out at iB Northern limits; 30x23 miles is its length and bredin
and with Catherine Creek, the largest tributary of the Grande Honde entering the valley at the booth.
Mill Creek entering at the East and Willow Cicek entering at the North, with numerous other small
tributaries, make the Grande Honde Val'ey ono of the best watered valleys in Oregon, all of the aoovo
named streams nflVdlng abundance of watr the t cason round.
The soil of this valley is principally a black, rich lom with clay subsoil, there being nout three
Townships of land having a sandy soil, known as the Sand Hid ire, all of which produces excellent grain.
The yield of Wheat, Oats, IJarley. Hye, Timothy, Alfalfa and Cloer is large, the cereals yielding
from 25 to 0 bushel- per acre of Wheat. 40 to 100 for Oats and Harley, and Hay from 2 to 8 tons per acre;
frequently three crops of Alfalfa being cut in one season.
PRODUCTIONS AND EXPORTS.
Th producing an.H export of grain and hay from this valley is large and growing in quantity each
year. Hesides the production of grain and hay for export, a i Immense quantity of fruits, including Ap
ples, Plums, Prunes, l-ears and sinailo fruits, aNo garden vegetables are raised in great quantities and
marketed in the neighboring sections. Butter and Cheese is also ono of our staple products. Stock
raising is engaged in largely and profitably; as fine stock may bo seen upon the farms of Giande Honde
Valley as anywhere, stockmen und farmers always seeming the best bred animals for breeding pur
poses. Taxes are no higher on One than poor stock. The lands of this valley have all been taken, but
choice places can be bought at from 15 to 30 per acre, which is comparatively cheap. Many large
bodies of land owned by single Individuals nnd of the best quality cau bo had at very reasonable rales,
which could be divided into several cood farms. ,
TIMBER.
Tlio hills and mountains are covered with timber of the best quality for lumbering purposes and
easily reached. Hut little of the timber land has been entered or taken up.
RAILROAD FACILITIES.
The O. H. & N. H. H. entering the Valley at the southern portion and following the foothills on the
Southwest, passes out of the valley on the West, traversing the Southwestern boundary of the valley
for a distance of M miles.
The Hunt Hallroad system will be extended during the next year from "Wal'a Walla, W. T., through
the Hlue Mountaus to Summerville, in the northern portion of the valley and will then traverse the en
tire length of the valley through its center to Union. Upon the building of this road the valley will
have the best railroad facilities.
Puget Sound, W. T is the terminal point of this line, putting Portand, Or., and tho cities of the
So' nd in competition for the trade of the Valley, the importance of which is evidenced by Ihe building
of this second line of rond. In concluding this description of Grande Honde Valley, it can be said with
out fear ot contradiction, I hat no better opportunity is offered anywnere in the Northwest for the homo
seeker or capitalists than in Grande Hondo Valley and its vicinity. The resources of ihe valley and its
tributary sections will sustain manufacturing industiios of nearly every' Kind, of which we now have
but very few. It will sustain ten times the population it now has in the farming and dairying I usiness.
ottering in this line advantages not to be found but in very few places. Tlio raising of thoroughbred
stock in u profitable business and there is hardly an individual here solely in that business at present.
To visit Grande Honde Valley nnd see it and to investigate its advantages, is to locate here. In no
i stance have people, who have visited this valley given it other than the bust of reputation In regard to
climate, soil and everything that goes to constitute a gaod country.
The Grande Honde Valley has several considerable towns and villages: Union in the southerij end
of the valley, La Grande at the base of the mountains on the northwest. Summerville in the northern
end of the valley, Cove about midway on thu east side, and Elgin in the extreme northern part of the
valley.
UNION,
The County Seat of Union County, is situated in the southern portion of tlio Fertile Grande Hondo Valley, nnd has
the best Natural Location for a City of any town in Eastern Oregon. Situated, just at the base of rolliug hills on both'
Hides of Catherine Creek, a beautiful, sparkling stream, whose waters aro pure, as nature ever distilled and held
suspended In her mountain reservoir, furnishing immense waterpower Just waiting to bo utilized b the hand of
man for all kinds of manufacturing industries. Jn fact the water power Is amply sullloicnt to make Union thu Lowell
of Oregon If the attention of her enterprising citizens were turned In that direction, which will bo the ease when new
blood ntnl Hasten! eapltallsts come In. This is one of tho best places In Oregon for tlio erection of manufactories.
A woolen mill is greatly needed now, and soio energetic capitalist who is engaged in such business would And
hero the chosen spot for such an enterprise, right in the heart of u great wool-growing sectlou of tho country. No
high freights to pay, water-power lu abundance, and in fact everything that such a business would consume is pro
dnced hero lu the valley.
The present population of Union Is about 1,200, but when the O. ,t W. T. railroad reaches hero'sho will double her
population Inside of six mouths. Kager eyes aro watohlng to take advantage of tho present low prices in property and
procure for themselves a homo where they may live in peace and plenty. Water works cau tcput In at very little ex
pense by running a part of Catherine creek into a largo reservoir on the hill back of town. This will glvo all tho fall
we want from 160 feet up; no expense of keeping a steam pump and the necessary repairs. This mountain stream
can be, made to run directly into the reservoir nnd all tho waste can bo utilized in 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
Olir school facilities are unsurpassed. Wo have In our public school, a High School Grade. Tho school is sunnlled
with cory possible convenience. Everything Is furnished by our liberal handed citizens, who believe in giving their
children a lirst-cjass eductftlou and that they can bo educated in no better way than by having a No. 1 School at homo
The school at present is divided into four compartments, all thoroughly graded, students on completing the pre
se riucu coursu ui euiuy receive u ccruucaio 10 inai eueci. .n niKiiiiou IO mo pteseilt school building Is 111 contemiila
tlou, also several hundred dollars worth of aiiaitments Is soon to be added. '
.Morally anil socially, Union is unexcelled und her hospitality is widely known throughout the' surrounding coun
try. Wo havefoureluucl.es, all In a nourishing condition. There are Ix secret societies, doing much good to hu
manity. We have a number of stores of ditl'erent kinds, all doing a profitable Lasiuess, as they supply a great agricul
tural district and the numerous mining camns in'the near vicinity. We urn idso kiini,n..ii "ii, t.'.,.r.,i ...!.... ,
uersiioos, biacKsminisiiops, etc., one principal Hotel and several restaurants, so that the most fastidious tastes of tho
v ,.. ii, (, v inr iiiuj 1-fiiii.iii-i., v ni-fiinti oupiuiutl niiu lu HTftl-CjasS JlVCrV aiU! ICCd SIKUIeS
Kit f 1 1 fit vlruii..i.a
coming io mis lowu win uavo no irouoio in procuring a llrst-ciass team ami taVIng a drive out into the exhillerutlnir
atmosphere and feasting his eyes upon tho grandeur of our mountain scenery, and breathing lu the life-gl'vlag eween
that can be found nowhere so pure as in Union County. Totlv; Kastenv. who Is not used to mountain scenery, when
tlrst belioldlngour beautiful Uxwtiou, his first and iuvoluutnry oxelamutlou Is, "Paradise Found at 1 nst "
Our county Court House is w ell finished in every particular, having a large and commodious hall, amply sufficient
to accommodate any and a 1 audiences. It also has in connection a jaiibullt by tho Pauley llros., with ll their latest
Improved! cells, thus making things secure agalu-f tho escape of any prisoners that may be conliuod therein Oiir
Opera House is one of the largest this side ot Portland, with handsomely decorated curtains and finished in smierh
style One large and commodious Klourlng Mill, full roller proces, with all modern improvements, is situated adVoin
ing tho town. Also several saw mills in tho near vicinity. Tho lumbering interett Is bound to becomo oulto a fia.
turo in our industries. a 1LU
Taken all hi all, Union is one of tho best towns in Kastern Orcgmi. Heretofore she has been kept back ou account
of p(vor rallroal facilities, but wlieu tho Hunt System of Hallroad is completed into Union, its latent resources will bo
developed and it wil .take its place among the thriving cities of our land. We have ono of tho loveliest towns in
Oregon, and a great deal of wealth Is here already. All that is now needed is for people to come and take ad"autago
of t lio great inducements soon to be t hrown at the feet of every energetic man possessing either brains or muscle
'Hie pleasure-seeker or the invalid cau llud no better plueo to while away the summer mouths Oi lv tiinH mii.
away can be found Hot Springs and Lakes reveling in medical virtues nnd curative Sri, Z
Spring,; ltheuinatism and such complaints disappearing as if by tho hand of some magician. Lovers of the piscatorial
art wTll find the boaualful sparkling waters of Catherine creek alive with the gamy mouutal and brook tro t. In thi
edge of the mountains larger game may bo found, while out in tho valley a ong die Urando Itoude i river am ii. s
swan and ducks In abundance. In the the gralu field prairie chickens are quite plentiful TakiiK
advantages for pleasure and bus ness, wo thluk people looking for a homo cau find no place supplying all their wants
MVtll. ....... I..W ..I.I.. 1,1 , 1 .1, Will, 111,
bince the much talked of Hunt Hallroad is an assured fart, property Is beginning to ndranee in rir. t,. .
tho present ttmc city lots and blocks may be had at very reasouubli rates. ult,,u"'"t IO ttuvanco Jn prices, though at
''Hill I ITWET
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
nRsnniation.
ITT,
Who will cheerfully furnish thorn with all tho Information ileairod.
WiJOrV, OREGON,
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