This year, Deschutes County — Oregon’s youngest county — will celebrate its 100th birthday. In 1916, voters passed a ballot measure to create a new county from western Crook County territory, and Deschutes was born.
From humble beginnings, Deschutes County now experiences the most rapid population growth of any county in Oregon. Over the course of its 100 year history, it has developed into a bustling, exciting destination where progress, growth and unique beauty intertwine.
To celebrate the County’s rich history, the Deschutes County Historical Society and a committee of citizen volunteers have planned a year-long celebration that will bring together groups of all kinds through a variety of events and activities. We hope you’ll celebrate with us.
To stay up-to-date with the Centennial celebration and upcoming events, visit www.deschutes.org/100years for news, updates, history and photos — past and present.
Centennial Poster Contest
As Deschutes County kicks off its Centennial year, the Deschutes County Centennial Committee is excited to announce a contest for local artists to create the County’s official Centennial poster. Poster designs should represent the past 100 years of Deschutes County history.
Poster Contest Guidelines:
• Only original artwork will be considered
• The winner’s work will become the property of Deschutes County
• Please submit your poster as a .jpeg or .pdf. It may be emailed or sent on a CD
• The winner will be asked to submit a high-resolution .jpeg
• Artists may submit multiple posters
• All submissions are due by 5pm on Tuesday, February 16
The winner of the Centennial poster contest will receive a listing on the Centennial website and will be featured in a news release. Email 100years@deschutes.org for a submission form.
Deschutes County’s History
At the time of statehood, Wasco County included all of Central Oregon from the Columbia River south to Silver Lake. As the eastern two-thirds of the state filled in with pioneers seeking homesteads of their own, smaller counties began to take shape. In 1882, the southern half of Wasco County separated to create Crook County with Prineville as the county seat.
With completion of the Oregon Trunk railroad line in 1911 bringing train service through Madras, Terrebonne, Redmond and Bend, but excluding Prineville, the balance of political power shifted west. Public debate of additional smaller counties appears as early as 1910. In 1914, voters approved the separation of the northwest corner of Crook County to form Jefferson while a separate measure to move the Crook County seat from Prineville to Bend narrowly failed. With Jefferson County’s example to follow, measures to move the county seat were abandoned and voters approved the creation of Deschutes County in November 1916.
The last of Oregon’s counties to be established, an all-day session of leaders convened December 19, 1916 to select the first officers for Deschutes County. Appointments included Judge William Barnes, Commissioners A.L. Mackintosh and Lew Smith, District Attorney Harvey DeArmond, Sheriff S.E. Roberts, Treasurer Clyde McKay, Coroner Elmer Niswonger as well as a county clerk, assessor, surveyor, physician and superintendent of schools.
When Deschutes County was formed in 1916, there were an estimated 5,000 residents. By 1920, the first U.S. Census held after its formation, the population had nearly doubled. Since that time population growth in Deschutes County has been swift. Over the last 20 years, Deschutes County’s percentage of growth remains higher than any other Oregon county.
Today, we enjoy 3,055 square miles of scenic beauty, varied climate, diverse recreational opportunities and a growing economy.
Centennial Events Theatrical Production
The Deschutes County Historical Society is working with a local production company to create a four act play that will highlight the people, ideology and issues that motivated residents to split apart from existing Crook County and create a new county named Deschutes. The play will feature four characters whose livelihoods are impacted directly by the creation of a new county. The work can be performed in its entirety or in small educational programs featuring individual characters only. The play will be performed at least once in Bend, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine, pending location of venues. Individual one-act performances will be scheduled as appropriate. The finished script will belong to the Deschutes County Historical Society’s educational programs for use beyond the Centennial in both on-site and off-sight school visits.
Traveling Historical Display
The Deschutes County Historical Society and local community partners are working to recondition a 1907 Holsman to drive and display at community events throughout the year.
County Clerk’s Art Contest for Deschutes County Voters’ Pamphlet
In late winter, the County Clerk will invite students in grades four-seven to submit art depicting Deschutes County’s history. Winning art will be featured on the cover of the 2016 Deschutes County voters’ pamphlets.
Time Capsule
Throughout the year, residents will be invited to share ideas for the contents of the time capsule, which will be revealed at the Centennial celebration in December. The time capsule will be placed into Deschutes Historical Museum collections with instructions that it be re-opened during the County’s bi-centennial.
Celebration at the Deschutes Historical Museum
The Centennial celebration will culminate in December with an open house event at the Deschutes Historical Museum.
Deschutes County Celebrates 100 Years
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