Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (March 30, 2016)
OUR TOWNS Long Creek S ELEVATION: 3,754 FEET • POPULATION: 195 mall, yet tranquil, Long Creek is rich in community spirit and steeped in local history. The city, with a population of 195, is a gem nestled in a high range valley of the Blue Mountains in northern Grant County. Long Creek was incorporated in 1891 and is named after John Long, a prominent miner who came to Grant County during the Canyon City gold rush in 1862. Visitors to Long Creek will find a park near the center of town with a playground, picnic area, horseshoe pits and a basketball court. Social Security Pond, about 4 miles west of town on State Route 402, offers a tranquil respite for fishing, picnicking and more. NEW: The Long Creek Historical Society recently relocated Fort Townsend in the city. The Army fort was established during the Indian Wars of 1878, and the society is striving to build a museum and interpretive center there to house historical photographs and artifacts of the region. DON’T MISS: Long Creek’s July 4 Founders Day celebration highlights a different pioneer family each year. The event is held at the city park at noon with a picnic. In hot weather, the celebration is moved to the Long Creek School cafeteria. OUR TOWNS Monument M ELEVATION: 2,000 FEET • POPULATION: 125 onument is noteworthy for being incorporated twice — once in 1905 and, for unknown reasons, again in 1947. Monument’s picturesque valley setting, surrounded by juniper-covered rimrocks, is an attractive locale for outdoor activities — hunting, fishing, hiking, photography and more. A temperate climate combined with a location at the confluence of the North and Middle forks of the John Day River provides for an area rich in agricultural land. Gas, food, lodging, groceries and even an ATM provide comforts and amenities for both locals and travelers. Meals are served weekly at the Senior Center, which is also the location for many community events, family gatherings, meetings and other functions. Anyone looking for the outdoors won’t have to look far: a large, shaded community park in the heart of town has a playground, basketball and tennis courts, horseshoe pits, restrooms and covered picnic areas, and Thomas Cavender Reservoir just west of town and Monument River Park to the south offer opportunities for nearby water recreation fun. DON’T MISS: Set on the bank of the North Fork John Day River, Monument River Park offers a boat launch, picnic area and restrooms. The annual 4th of July Monument Jubilee is a day packed with family fun and activities, ending with a fireworks display over the river. MyEagleNews.com | OFFICIAL GRANT COUNTY VISITOR GUIDE 2016 | 57
