Basque, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Basque, Oregon
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Country | United States |
State | Oregon |
County | Malheur |
Elevation | 4,459 ft (1,359 m) |
Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (Pacific) |
Area code(s) | 541 |
GNIS feature ID | 1136038 |
Coordinates and elevation from Geographic Names Information System |
Basque is a small, unnamed place in Malheur County, Oregon, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. The name "Basque" comes from the Basque people who settled there long ago.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a place where people live, but it's not officially a city or town. It doesn't have its own mayor or city council. Instead, it's usually governed by the larger county it's in.
Where is Basque Located?
Basque is found in the southeastern part of Oregon. It sits along U.S. Route 95, which is a major highway. You can find it about halfway between two other places: Burns Junction and McDermitt.
Why is it Called Basque?
The community of Basque gets its name from the Basque people. These were migrants who came to the United States, and many settled in this remote area of Oregon. They played a big part in the history of this region.
Who Were the Basques?
The Basques are a unique group of people from a region in Europe. This region is located in the western Pyrenees mountains, straddling the border between modern-day France and Spain. They have their own distinct culture and language, which is different from French or Spanish.
Basque Sheepherders in Oregon
Many Basque migrants who came to Oregon were sheepherders. They arrived in the area between the 1880s and the 1930s. They found the open lands of southeastern Oregon perfect for raising sheep. Their hard work helped shape the local economy and culture of the region.