Maupin Section Foreman's House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Maupin Section Foreman's House
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The Maupin Section Foreman's House in 2009
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| Location | 601 Deschutes Access Road Maupin, Oregon |
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| Area | 5.7 acres (2.3 ha) |
| Built | 1910 |
| Built by | Des Chutes Railroad Company |
| Architect | Union Pacific Railroad |
| NRHP reference No. | 06001082 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 2006 |
The Maupin Section Foreman's House is a special old building in Maupin, Oregon. It tells a story about a big competition called the "Last Great Railroad War." This was when two powerful railroad companies raced to build tracks through the Deschutes River canyon. The house was built in 1910 by one of these companies, the Des Chutes Railroad Company. It was home to the foreman, who was in charge of keeping the train tracks in good shape.
Contents
A Race for the Rails
This house is a reminder of an exciting time in Oregon's history. From 1909 to 1911, two famous railroad leaders, E. H. Harriman and James J. Hill, were in a fierce race. They both wanted to build train lines up the Deschutes River canyon. Their goal was to connect their main railroad lines along the Columbia River to new towns and markets in Central Oregon.
The Railroad War
This competition was known as the "Last Great Railroad War." Harriman's company, the Des Chutes Railroad Company, built the Maupin Section Foreman's House. They followed a standard plan from the Union Pacific Railroad. The house was finished in 1910.
What Was a Section House?
The Maupin Section Foreman's House was a "section house." A section house was a home for the foreman of a "section" of track. A section is a specific part of the railroad line. The foreman's job was to make sure that part of the track was always safe and in good condition.
The Maupin Station
The house was one of three important buildings at the "country combination station" in Maupin. Besides the foreman's house, there was also a depot (a train station building). There was also a bunk residence for the crew who worked on the tracks. Sadly, the depot and the bunk residence were taken down by 1968.
The End of the Race
Most of the Des Chutes Railroad tracks in the canyon were no longer used by 1936. This meant that James J. Hill's company ultimately won the railroad race. Today, the road that passes in front of the house actually uses the path of the old railroad tracks.
A Historic Landmark
The Bureau of Land Management took ownership of the house in 1968. This government agency helps manage public lands. The Maupin Section Foreman's House was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006. This means it is recognized as an important historical building.
