Destination Elgin, Oregon
Elgin, Oregon Then & Now E
lgin sits in what was once known as Indian Valley or Fish Trap. Native Americans spent time hunting, gathering, fishing, and living throughout the valley and surrounding tree-covered hills. The Elgin Post Office was established on September 28, 1885 and William B Hamilton was the first Post Master General for the unincorporated settlement. After hearing his niece and nephew singing the song Lost on the Lady Elgin, which told the story of the sinking ship Lady Elgin on Lake Michigan in 1860, Hamilton chose the name Elgin for the city. On May 1887 the first mail stage was placed into operation, prior to the stage mail arrived on horseback. Elgin was incorporated on February 18, 1891. The first school in Elgin proper was begun in 1877. The first school within the Elgin city limits was erected on land donated by Luther Hindman. Chalk from a chalk bank, located in Indian Creek, supplied not only the Elgin schools, but also many schools in the area with chalk. The Lumber industry has always played a major part in the Elgin economy. Between 1887 and 1908 there were 35 sawmills in the area. Today the Boise Cascade mill continues to be Elgin’s largest employer and was recognized at the 2015 Elgin Chamber of Commerce Banquet for being a part of the community for 50 years.
The Elgin Stampede J u ly 8 - 1 1 2 0 1 5
In 1890 the railroad came to Elgin. Today a thriving tourist train known as the Eagle Cap Excursion Train offers a unique trips along the Grande Ronde River. It is becoming a favorite for train riding enthusiasts, tourists, and locals alike. Over the years Elgin has changed with the times. City Hall was once located near a house of ill repute, so in 1912 the Elgin Opera House was built to remedy the situation. Since that time the Opera House has had many professional, as well as amateurs, grace the stage. Mickey Rooney, Ben Stein, William Jenks are just a few of those entertainers. Today the Opera House is alive with performance and is fast becoming northeast Oregon’s favorite original live play venue. With plays such as Annie, Forever Plaid, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek and most recently Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the Historic Elgin Opera House is definitely something to put on the list of things not to miss while in Elgin. The Elgin Stampede is Elgin’s longest running community event. Started in 1946, the Elgin Stampede continues to entertain the crowds with Family Night, Mark Nichols Bull Riding, Open Barrel Racing, PRCA Rodeo, and the Stampede Challenge, which was once known as the Suicide Race. Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay.
The Historic Elgin Opera House
Fishing
Rafting P h o t o b y R o n a l d
Wildlife Viewing
Eagle C ap Excursion Train
F r e n c h