National Register Listings in
Grant County, Oregon

Advent Christian Church Cant, James, Ranch Historic District Fremont Powerhouse John Day Compound, Supervisor's Warehouse Kam Wah Chung Company Building St. Thomas' Episcopal Church Sumpter Valley Railway Passenger Station Sumpter Valley Railway, Middle Fork-John Day River Supervisor's House No. 1001
The largest living organism in the world is a fungus in Oregon. The Armillaria ostoyae fungus covers over 2,200 acres of forest in eastern Oregon and is estimated to be over 2,400 years old. It is also known as the "Humongous Fungus."
Oregon random facts
Grant County is located in eastern Oregon and has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Northern Paiute, Bannock, and Shoshone peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their sustenance. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the mid-1800s, drawn by the promise of gold and other valuable minerals.

The discovery of gold in Canyon City in 1862 sparked a gold rush, attracting a large influx of miners and settlers to the area. The town quickly grew and became the county seat, playing an important role in the development and economy of Grant County. The gold rush period was marked by booming population, the establishment of mining camps, and the construction of infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

As mining declined, the economy of Grant County diversified to include logging, ranching, and agriculture. The natural resources of the region, such as timber and grazing lands, attracted new industries and settlers. The construction of railroads in the late 19th and early 20th centuries further supported economic growth and transportation in the county.

Over the years, Grant County has faced its share of challenges, including economic downturns and natural disasters such as wildfires. However, the scenic beauty of the area, including the picturesque landscapes of the John Day River and the Strawberry Mountains, continues to attract visitors and outdoor enthusiasts. Today, Grant County is a mix of rural communities, small towns, and natural wonders, with a strong sense of history and appreciation for its heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grant County, Oregon.

  • 1862 - Grant County is established as a county in the Oregon Territory.
  • 1870 - Canyon City becomes the county seat of Grant County.
  • 1889 - John Day becomes an incorporated city in Grant County.
  • 1890 - The census records a population of over 7,000 residents in Grant County.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to a decline in mining activities in Grant County.
  • 1950s - The construction of the John Day Dam on the Columbia River brings economic development to Grant County.
  • 1975 - The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is established, preserving important paleontological sites in Grant County.
  • 1990s - Timber industry declines, impacting the local economy of Grant County.
  • 2010 - Census records a population of around 7,500 residents in Grant County.