Historical Markers in
Lake County, Oregon

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
Oregon is home to the largest living organism in the world, the Armillaria ostoyae fungus. The fungus covers over 2,200 acres of forest and is estimated to be over 2,400 years old.
Oregon random facts
Lake County, Oregon is a region rich in history and natural beauty. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by several Native American tribes, including the Paiute and Klamath tribes. These tribes relied on the abundant resources of the region, such as the wildlife and fish found in the lakes and rivers.

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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.