Grant County, Oregon

The first homestead claim was filed in the same year that gold was discovered in Grant County, Oregon. The mining industry bloomed in 1862 and by 1870 was fading into history. Farming, ranching, and logging were to become the backbone of the economy in Grant County. With the construction of a sawmill in neighboring Harney County, the logging of the ponderosa pine forests in Grant County expanded and overcame other industries as the prime contributor to the economy. Today the top industries in the county are logging, road construction, forestry support, building construction. Agriculture, fishing, hunting and retail sales are strong also.

Grant County contains the headwaters of the John Day River, which has more miles of wild and scenic designation than any other river in the United States. The 4,528 square miles of the county is drained by the 4 forks of this river, which flow into the Columbia. Outdoor recreation opportunities are available year around in Grant County, including backpacking, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, and horseback riding in the many acres of publicly owned land. A population of 7,297 allows for lots of space in which to play, raise families, and enjoy the outdoors.

The towns of Canyon City, Prairie City and John Day were all born of the gold rush with Canyon City as the county seat. A visit to Grant County should include stops at the Grant County Historic Museum, the Oxbow Trading Company and Museum located in Canyon City and the DeWitt Museum in Prairie City. Artifacts from early mining days when Chinese miners outnumbered whites nearly 3 to 1, rock collections, and pioneer memorabilia can be found on display.

Pre-recorded history is also evident in Grant County at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Since the early 1800s scientists have been examining and studying the ancient life preserved in the volcanic ash of the fossil beds. The over 14,000 acres contain bones and plant life from the Age of Mammals, the time between the dinosaurs and the Ice Age. Headquarters of the national monument are located at the Cant Ranch House north west of Dayville. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Grant County.

Oregon Blue Book

http://bluebook.state.or.us/local/counties/counties12.htm

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