Elgin,
Oregon-Elgin, in Union county, is the present terminus of
the Elgin branch of the Union Pacific railroad, which
leaves the main line at La Grande, 20 miles south of
Elgin. The town is situated in Indian valley, an arm
of the Grand Ronde valley, and one of the most fertile
spots in Eastern Oregon. This valley is about 16 miles
long by eight miles wide. The principal shipments from
Elgin comprise wheat, lumber and live stock. The town is
the result of but three years' growth and it contains
today a population of about 300.
Within a radius of four miles of Elgin are located four
sawmills which are kept busy manufacturing lumber and
railroad ties for the Union Pacific. These mills give a
constant employment to a large number of men and add
materially to the wealth of Elgin. Located at this point
are the usual number of stores found in small towns and
business here is generally good. The town has two hotels,
two livery stables and a weekly paper, The Elgin
Record. Three teachers are employed in the public
schools at Elgin and the average daily attendance of
scholars is about 100. The Baptist and Methodist
organizations own church buildings at this point. The
completion of the branch of the Union Pacific to Elgin in
1889 made the town and greatly aided the development of
the tributary district, and it is this road which will
greatly add to the material advancement of this part of
the state in the future.
The Oregonian's Handbook of the Pacific Northwest
Edward Gardner Jones, Editor
1894, The Oregonian Publishing Co.
Contributed by Shauna Williams |
