|
La Grande, Oregon
History:
Early emigrants following the Oregon Trail passed through
our picturesque valley and rested at the present-day site
of La Grande before climbing the Blue Mountains toward
their dreamlands in the Willamette Valley.
In
1861 the discovery of gold near Baker City, to the south,
prompted settlement of the Grande Ronde Valley. It is
a fertile area and was perfect for growing the agricultural
products needed to serve the mines. The city of La Grande
was incorporated in 1865.
Geography:
Nestled at the feet of the Blue Mountains on the edge
of the fertile Grande RondeValley, La Grande is a pretty
town with lots to offer travelers. With a population
of more than 12,000, the community is friendly, casual,
and has its own brand of sophistication, due in large
part to the presence of Eastern Oregon University.
The
surrounding national forests, lakes, and rivers provide
some of the best biking, hiking, skiing, fishing, snowmobiling,
camping and sightseeing opportunities in the state.
All
of northeast Oregon's most popular visitor attractions
are within easy reach of La Grande and Union County's
smaller communities. The historic Elgin Opera House,
the beautiful Oregon Trail Interpretive Park at Blue
Mountain Crossing, and the Union County Museum with
its wonderful new Cowboys Then & Now exhibit are
just minutes away from your hotel room. The Oregon Trail
Interpretive Center, Wallowa Lake State Park, Tamastslikt
Cultural Institute, and the Wild Horse Gaming Center
are each less than 90 minutes from La Grande.
A
wide variety of visitor services are available in the
city, including facilities for conferences and group
tours. La Grande has shopping venues for all tastes,
from unusual boutiques, to antique shops, to national
discount chains. The attractive downtown and the university
provide a level of entertainment and culture not usually
seen in communities of this size.
Population:
Click here
to see population numbers from the latest census for
La Grande and other Oregon cities.
Facts,
Climate and Temperature:
Elevation: 2,760
Area: 2,068 square miles (Union County)
Lowest Monthly Average Temperature: 24 degrees F
Highest Monthly Average Temperature: 86 degrees F
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: January
Driest Month: July (average July humidity = 34%)
Wettest Month: January (average January humidity = 77%
Precipitation:
Average annual precipitation: 17.180 inches
Top
Industries:
Agriculture
Lumber
Education
Major
Employers:
Columbia Basin Crop Production
Boise Cascade
Fleetwood Travel Trailers
Nash Trailers
Borden Chemical Co.
|
