Hermiston, Oregon

Geography:
Hermiston is located in the northwest corner of Umatilla County in Northwest Oregon. It is centrally located between the major cities of the Pacific Northwest. The city is 185 miles east of Portland, 183 miles southwest of Spokane, and 260 miles northwest of Boise. Hermiston is easily accessed by Interstate I-84, east and west, and I-82, north and south.

Hermiston is in the heart of the rolling high desert of Eastern Oregon, punctuated by basalt outcroppings such as the Hermiston Butte.

Population:
Click here to see population numbers from the latest census for Hermiston and other Oregon cities.

Facts, Climate and Temperature:
Elevation: 450 feet
Area: 3,231 square miles (Umatilla County)
Lowest Monthly Average: 26 degrees
Highest Monthly Average: 88 degrees
Hottest Month: July (Humidity in July: 34%)
Coldest Month: January (Humidity in January: 77%)
Driest Month: July
Wettest Month: December

Precipitation:
9.060 inches

Top Industries:
Agriculture
Food Processing
Wood Products

Major Employers:
• JR Simplot - Food Products
•  Lamb-Weston, Inc. - French Fries
•  Marlette Homes, Inc. - Manufactured Homes
•  Hermiston Foods - Frozen Foods

History: In the 1860s and '70s, Hermiston was known as Six Mile House, a sturdy Old West Hotel with bar and brass rail. Along side was a deep, cool well curbed with lava rock and a feed barn for mules and horses. Six Mile House was an overnight stop for trail-weary travelers and freighters.

When the railroads came to Eastern Oregon, replacing the team freighters, Maxwell Siding was built to allow trains to pass.

Hermiston was incorporated on July 10, 1907. It's name inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's novel, "The Weir of Hermiston," which was popular at the time.

Under administration of the Bureau of Reclamation, Cold Springs Reservoir was constructed east of Hermiston for storage of Umatilla River water. Approximately 800 people turned out to celebrate the formal opening of the head gate leading to the main canals on May 27, 1908. With this advent, irrigated farming was undertaken on a large scale.

During the 1920s, emphasis on agriculture continued. Although a severe winter had destroyed much of the local fruit industry, dairying continued to thrive and poultry raising came into prominence. While alfalfa remained a dominate crop, a diversified economy seemed to be the best hope for the region's agricultural health.

Late in 1940, the sleepy little community was jolted suddenly into a wakeful frenzy. The federal government announced the impending construction of a major ammunition storage depot (Umatilla Army Depot) several miles west of town. In 1947, with Congressional funding finally a reality, construction was begun on McNary Dam. A large crowd was on hand to witness President Eisenhower dedicate it in 1952.

The final stages of work on McNary Dam were paralleled by construction of a rail yard south of Hermiston. Hinkle Terminal, a major unit in the Union Pacific system, was ready for operation in late 1951.

The 1960s saw commercial developments in the Hermiston area. One of these was the C&B Feedlot just off the Butter Creek Highway, south of town. Shortly after opening, the facility was feeding 3,000 to 4,000 cattle and about 15,000 lambs at a time. Most notable of the developments, however, was Marlette Coach Company's new mobile home plant.

The 1970s witnessed a widespread development in agricultural industry. Playing a major role were the large potato processing plants constructed by Lamb-Weston and J.R. Simplot, which provided employment for thousands and in many other ways, stimulated the area's economy. New irrigation techniques, particularly circle sprinklers, led to the farming of much land formerly covered by sagebrush.

In the midst of continued growth and prosperity, Hermiston has kept its small-town values and family-centered orientation. It continues to be a great place to raise a family and do business!