Lake County, Oregon
Bailey and Massingill Store
Cabin Lake Guard Station
Eskelin, Ed, Ranch Complex
Heryford Brothers Building
Heryford, William P., House
Lake County Round Sale Barn
Mitchell Recreation Area
Nevada-California-Oregon Railway Passenger Station
Post and King Saloon
Shirk, David L., Ranch
Snell, Governor Earl W., Aircraft Crash Site
Stone Bridge and the Oregon Central Military Wagon Road
Watson, John N. and Cornelia, House
A Path to the Past
Abert Rim
Balloon Bomb
Chandler House
Chandler State Park
Claiming the Desert
Community Senior Center
Cowboy, Horseman, Philosopher
Favell-Utley Building
First Baptist Church of Goose Lake
Fort Rock
Fort Rock
Fort Rock Grange # 758
Fort Rock State Park
Fremont Arrives
Fremont Memorial
Heryford Building
Heryford House
Home Sweet Home
Lake County Historical Museum
Lake County Veterans Memorial
Mitchell Monument
Mitchell Monument Shrapnel Tree
N.C.O. Depot
Odd Fellows Bldg.
Old Perpetual
Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
Paisley United Methodist Church
Paisley's History
Post & King Building
Ranching - A way of Life
Reuban A. "Reub" Long
Schminck Memorial Museum
The Applegate Trail
The Birth of a Tuff Ring
The First People of Fort Rock
Wilcox Building
European settlers began arriving in the area in the mid-19th century. In 1868, Lake County was officially established, named after the numerous lakes that dot the landscape. The main industries in the county at that time were ranching and mining, with settlers drawn to the area by the promise of fertile land and precious minerals.
One event that significantly shaped Lake County's history was the establishment of the Oregon Central Military Road in the 1870s. This road connected the county to the Willamette Valley, resulting in increased trade and transportation opportunities. The county's population grew rapidly during this time, and towns such as Lakeview and Paisley were established as trading centers.
In the early 20th century, Lake County experienced a boom in the timber industry, with logging becoming a major source of income for the region. However, the decline of the timber industry in the later decades led to a shift in the county's economy towards agriculture and tourism. Today, Lake County is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the picturesque Crater Lake National Park, and continues to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Lake County, Oregon:
- 1874 - Lake County is established.
- 1880 - The town of Lakeview is founded.
- 1892 - Lake County courthouse is constructed.
- 1903 - The Lake County Examiner newspaper begins publication.
- 1907 - The Oregon Trunk Railway is finished, connecting Lakeview to the national rail network.
- 1910 - Lake County's population reaches its peak at over 10,000 residents.
- 1928 - The Warner Valley Electric Association is formed, bringing electricity to the area.
- 1930 - The Great Depression causes a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1962 - The Ana Reservoir is constructed for irrigation and flood control.
- 1971 - The Warner Canyon Ski Area opens near Lakeview.
- 1990 - The population of Lake County drops to just over 7,000 people.
- 2000 - The Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is established.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lake County, Oregon.