Alexander M. Drake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander M. Drake
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Alexander M. Drake, 1900
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| Born | January 11, 1859 Xenia, Ohio United States
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| Died | October 8, 1934 (aged 75) Pasadena, California
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| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Bend, Oregon |
| Spouse(s) | Florence W. Drake |
Alexander McClurg Drake (born January 11, 1859, died October 8, 1934) was a smart businessman from Minnesota. He was also an Oregon pioneer, meaning he was one of the first people to help settle and develop the area. He is most famous for founding the city of Bend, Oregon.
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Early Life and Moving West
Alexander Drake was born in Xenia, Ohio, on January 11, 1859. His father, Elias Franklin Drake, worked in the railroad business. Elias also served as a politician in both Ohio and Minnesota. Alexander grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
In June 1900, Alexander Drake and his wife, Florence, traveled west. They arrived in a covered wagon at a place called "Farewell Bend." This journey happened after a tough economic time in 1893. Florence loved the beautiful scenery there. She especially liked the tall Cascade Mountains and the Deschutes River. Her love for the area helped them choose this spot for their new home.
Founding Bend, Oregon
The Drake family built their home, the Drake Lodge, in what is now the center of Bend. The city grew up around their property. Alexander Drake was a visionary businessman. He owned the very first sawmill in Bend. He also saw how useful the area's water could be for farming.
On October 18, 1900, Drake started the Pilot Butte Development Company. He planned out the streets of Bend. He also organized a big project to bring water to farms in Central Oregon. This project built the Central Oregon Canal and the Pilot Butte Canal. These canals helped the Bend area grow quickly with new farms.
Bringing Electricity to Bend
In 1909, Drake founded the Deschutes Water, Light and Power Company. He then built a dam and a power plant on the Deschutes River. This was a huge step for the new town.
On November 2, 1910, the business district of Bend got its first electricity. Power lines stretched for five miles on 85 poles. At first, electricity was available from 4:30 p.m. to midnight and from 4 to 8 a.m. Drake sold his company just before the power project was fully finished. However, the original equipment he installed still helps power parts of downtown Bend today.
Drake's Legacy
Alexander Drake's impact on Bend is still seen today. The Alexander Drake Building, built in 2001, is named after him. It is a large office building in Bend.
Drake Park is also named in his honor. This popular park is a central part of the city. Even Wall Street, one of Bend's main roads, gets its name from a stone fence that used to be along the east side of Drake's property. This area is now part of the Drake Park Neighborhood Historic District.
