Lonerock, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lonerock, Oregon
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Location in Oregon
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Gilliam |
| Incorporated | 1901 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.01 sq mi (2.62 km2) |
| • Land | 1.01 sq mi (2.62 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,835 ft (864 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 25 |
| • Density | 24.73/sq mi (9.55/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (Pacific) |
| ZIP code |
97823
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| Area code(s) | 458 and 541 |
| FIPS code | 41-43400 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410865 |
Lonerock is a small city in Gilliam County, Oregon, United States. It is located about twenty miles east of Condon. In 2020, the city had a population of 25 people.
Contents
Lonerock's Story
How Lonerock Began
Lonerock started in the early 1870s. It was a place where nearby ranches could get services and supplies. The town was officially mapped out in 1882. It was named "Lone Rock" because of a special, 35-foot-tall rock that still stands there today. This rock is near the old Methodist church. The U.S. Postal Service preferred one-word names, so the post office was called "Lonerock." This name eventually became the official name for the whole community.
The first settlers arrived in the Lonerock area in 1871. The valley had lots of green grass and the hills were full of wild animals. In 1874, Edward Wineland built a sawmill powered by water. This helped people build homes and settle in the area. A post office was set up in 1875.
Challenges and Growth
In 1878, there were conflicts between the Native Americans and the settlers. Many settlers left for The Dalles to find safety. The US Army was called in to protect the people who stayed. By 1882, the area was secure, and the town officially became a city. This made it one of the first cities in Gilliam County. The postmaster, RG Robinson, was chosen as the first mayor.
In 1888, a two-room school was built. It taught students from first to twelfth grade. The last class graduated in 1932. In 1898, Reverend Deuse came to Lonerock and built a Methodist church. It held weekly services for many years. Even today, the church still stands and sometimes holds services. This small white church is a well-known symbol of Lonerock, just like the rock itself.
In July 1896, a big fire almost destroyed the town. The entire business area burned down. Only a few homes on the edge of town were saved. Reports say a boy playing with matches started the fire.
Changes in Lonerock's Economy
By 1900, Lonerock had 68 people and several businesses. Many nearby farms and ranches became very successful. The town's economy was changing. People enjoyed hunting, fishing, and winter sledding. An annual rodeo was held right on Main Street. It was very popular and brought people from all around. However, by the 1920s, bigger rodeos started in other areas. Lonerock's rodeo was no longer the main attraction, and its last year was 1934. The town's economy also slowed down as businesses moved to larger towns. The population dropped by almost half between 1930 and 1940.
Early settlers from Scotland focused on raising sheep. But over time, sheep prices changed, and more people started raising cattle. Now, cattle raising is the main part of Lonerock's economy. Another important part of the local farming is hay production. At first, Lonerock's weather wasn't good for growing hay. But with new irrigation methods in the valley, alfalfa hay began to grow well.
Where is Lonerock Located?
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city covers a total area of 1.01 square miles (2.62 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
Who Lives in Lonerock?
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 70 | — | |
| 1920 | 73 | 4.3% | |
| 1930 | 82 | 12.3% | |
| 1940 | 46 | −43.9% | |
| 1950 | 38 | −17.4% | |
| 1960 | 31 | −18.4% | |
| 1970 | 12 | −61.3% | |
| 1980 | 26 | 116.7% | |
| 1990 | 11 | −57.7% | |
| 2000 | 24 | 118.2% | |
| 2010 | 21 | −12.5% | |
| 2020 | 25 | 19.0% | |
| US Decennial Census | |||
Lonerock's Population Over Time
The table above shows how Lonerock's population has changed over many years. You can see that the population has gone up and down. For example, it was highest in 1930 with 82 people, but then dropped to only 11 people by 1990. In 2020, there were 25 people living in Lonerock.
A Closer Look at the People
Based on the 2010 United States Census, there were 21 people living in Lonerock. These people lived in 12 households, and 5 of these were families. The city had 25 housing units. All of the residents were White.
Out of the 12 households:
- A small number (8.3%) had children under 18.
- About a third (33.3%) were married couples living together.
- A few (8.3%) had a female head of household with no husband.
- More than half (58.3%) were not families.
- Half (50%) of all households had only one person living there.
- Half (50%) had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older.
The average household had 1.75 people, and the average family had 2.40 people. The median age in Lonerock was 54.5 years old. This means half the people were younger than 54.5 and half were older.
- Only 4.8% of residents were under 18.
- No one was between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 19.1% were between 25 and 44.
- About 28.5% were between 45 and 64.
- Almost half (47.6%) were 65 years old or older.
In terms of gender, 42.9% of the residents were male and 57.1% were female.
See also
In Spanish: Lonerock para niños
