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Gilliam County is a small, rural area located in Eastern Oregon. Despite its size, Gilliam County has a rich and interesting history. Here are seven fascinating facts about the county that you may not have known.
1. Gilliam County was named after Cornelius Gilliam, a pioneer who served as a captain in the Mexican-American War. He was also a prominent figure in the early settlement of Oregon.
2. The first cattle drive in Oregon started in Gilliam County in 1862. The cattle were driven over the Cascade Mountains to the Willamette Valley and sold for a profit.
3. In the late 1800s, Gilliam County was known as the "Wheat Capital of the World." The county was a major producer of wheat and other grains, which were shipped by rail to markets around the world.
4. The city of Arlington, located in Gilliam County, was once a major transportation hub. It was a stopping point for the Oregon Trail and later became a center for shipping goods by boat on the Columbia River.
5. In the early 1900s, a number of Chinese immigrants came to Gilliam County and worked as laborers on local farms. Many of them went on to establish their own businesses and families in the community.
6. During World War II, the U.S. Army established a training facility in Gilliam County. Soldiers were trained in desert warfare tactics at the Army's training center in Boardman.
7. Gilliam County is home to the John Day Dam, which is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the country. It spans the Columbia River and produces electricity for the Pacific Northwest region.
In conclusion, Gilliam County has an interesting and varied history. From cattle drives to wheat production to Chinese immigration, the county has played an important role in the development of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Today, it continues to be a vital part of the region's economy and culture.
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