Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (March 25, 2015)
CANYON CITY Elevation: 3,173 feet • Population: 691 Known for the discovery of gold in June of 1862, Canyon City's population hit about 10,000 people in those early days – larger than Portland. Today the population is about 691. Near the base of Canyon Mountain and along Canyon Creek, the town's elevation is 3,173 feet. It became the county seat of Grant County in 1864. The Grant County Historical Museum is a “must see,” packed with antiquities of the past, including period clothing, rifles, pictures, even skulls – and staff have many stories to share. Sproul Park in the center of town off Highway 395/Canyon City Boulevard features a playground, covered band stage and picnic tables on a grassy field with restrooms nearby. Grantville Theater holds regular showings of newly released DVD movies, with theater chairs and concessions at a low price. DON’T MISS: The '62 Days Parade and celebration is held annually the first weekend of June, commemorating the discovery of gold in Canyon City. MT. VERNON Elevation: 2,865 feet • Population: 517 According to legend, Mt. Vernon was named after a racehorse belonging to David W. Jenkins. Still standing east of town on the north side of Highway 26 is a small stone building. It was originally built as a cellar for a house that stood nearby, and was later renovated to house Mt. Vernon, the horse, during winter. The first schoolhouse in Mt. Vernon was built in 1873, about two blocks south of Main Street on what is now Ingle Street, and Billie Harrison was the first teacher. The town is said to have flourished for many years without a municipal government or protection. George Post was Mt. Vernon's first mayor when the town was incorporated in 1948. The town's elevation is 2,865 feet and Mt. Vernon Butte, to the north of town is 4,035 feet. Visitors will enjoy Phil Boyd Park on Council Drive, which features tennis courts, playground, horseshoe pits, restrooms and a covered group picnic area. DON’T MISS: Clyde Holliday State Park, which sits to the east along the John Day River and includes a 1/4-mile walking path to Holliday Park Pond. Two permanent tepee structures can be rented for camping at the park and there are restrooms and lots of space to picnic and play. MyEagleNews.com | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2015 | 53
