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