Elgin

City of Elgin web page

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

©Shauna Williams


 

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