Hilgard, Oregon facts for kids
Hilgard is a small, unincorporated community located in Union County, Oregon, United States. An unincorporated community is a place that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town. Hilgard is found where Oregon Route 244 meets Interstate 84 and U.S. Route 30, close to the Grande Ronde River. It's also an important spot for trains, as it has a special railroad connection called a "wye" for the Union Pacific Railroad. Right across the river from Hilgard, you can find the Hilgard Junction State Recreation Area, a great place for outdoor activities.
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Hilgard's History and Naming
Hilgard has a rich history, especially linked to the famous Oregon Trail. This historic trail was used by pioneers traveling west in covered wagons.
A Stop on the Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail passed right through the Hilgard area. Imagine pioneers in their wagons, carefully moving downhill from a place called La Grande. Hilgard was a popular spot for these travelers to stop and rest. Many pioneers would set up camp here for the night. After their break, they would continue their journey uphill towards places like Emigrant Springs or Meacham. It was a crucial resting point on their long trip.
How Hilgard Got Its Name
The community of Hilgard was named after two important people. One was Eugene W. Hilgard, a well-known professor. He was the dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of California. The other person was Henry Villard, who was Eugene Hilgard's cousin. Henry Villard's original name was Ferdinand Heinrich Gustav Hilgard before he moved to the United States.
When Henry Villard was building a railroad line over the Blue Mountains, he asked his cousin Eugene to help. Eugene Hilgard conducted a survey to study the farming potential of the area. In July 1883, a post office was first opened here and called "Dan." However, the name was quickly changed to "Hilgard" in August of the same year. This change happened when Eugene Hilgard was visiting the Pacific Northwest. The post office in Hilgard remained open for many years, finally closing in 1943.
Early Industries in Hilgard
In the early 1900s, the area around Hilgard was busy with several sawmills. Sawmills are places where logs are cut into lumber. One of the notable companies that had a mill there was the Mount Emily Lumber Company. They operated their mill in Hilgard during the 1920s, contributing to the local economy.
