National Register of Historic Places listings in Grant County, Oregon facts for kids

The National Register of Historic Places is a special list in the United States. It helps protect important buildings, places, and objects that tell us about American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth saving for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Grant County, Oregon, has several amazing places on this list. These sites help us understand the unique history and development of the area, from old churches and ranches to important railway lines and forest service buildings. Let's explore some of these cool historic spots!

Historic Places in Grant County

Advent Christian Church

The Advent Christian Church in John Day, showing its unique Victorian style.

Located in John Day, the Advent Christian Church was built in 1900. It's a beautiful example of Victorian style, which means it has lots of fancy decorations. Even though its basic shape is simple, like older Gothic churches, the details are very rich.

Many people believe that a local carpenter named Samuel Bayliss Hope did most of the amazing wooden decorations himself. He even used hand-planed moldings, which was an old technique for shaping wood that wasn't common anymore by 1900! This church is a true work of art and history.

James Cant Ranch Historic District

The historic James Cant Ranch near Dayville.

The James Cant Ranch Historic District is found along Oregon Route 19 near Dayville. This area is recognized for its historical importance as a ranch. Historic districts often include several buildings or a whole area that together tell a story about the past. This ranch helps us understand what life was like for early settlers and ranchers in Grant County.

Fremont Powerhouse

The Fremont Powerhouse in the Umatilla National Forest.

Deep in the Umatilla National Forest, near Granite, you'll find the Fremont Powerhouse. This building played a role in providing power in the past. It's a reminder of how communities in remote areas developed and got electricity.

John Day Compound, Supervisor's Warehouse

The Supervisor's Warehouse at the John Day Compound.

The John Day Compound, including the Supervisor's Warehouse, is located in John Day. This group of buildings was constructed between 1936 and 1946 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that put young men to work on important projects, often in national forests and parks.

This compound became the main office for managing the Malheur National Forest. It shows how the Forest Service started to plan their sites more carefully. It also reflects a change in how they managed natural resources, moving from just watching over them to actively taking care of them.

Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum

The Kam Wah Chung & Co. Museum in John Day City Park.

One of the most famous historic places in Grant County is the Kam Wah Chung Company Building, now a museum, located in John Day City Park. This building is considered the best example of a Chinese general store and herb shop in the entire United States!

It tells an important story about Chinese immigrants who came to the western United States after the American Civil War. They played a big part in the growth and development of the West. The Kam Wah Chung store was a central place for the Chinese community, offering goods, traditional Chinese medicine, and a place to connect.

St. Thomas' Episcopal Church

St. Thomas' Episcopal Church in Canyon City.

In Canyon City, you'll find St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. This church, built in 1874, is a significant part of the town's history. It represents the early religious and community life in Canyon City, which was once a bustling gold mining town. Its simple yet strong design reflects the spirit of the pioneers who settled the area.

Sumpter Valley Railway Historic District

A railcar on the Sumpter Valley Railway.

The Sumpter Valley Railway Historic District stretches roughly between Prairie City and Baker City. This railway was once a very important narrow-gauge railroad. Narrow-gauge means the tracks are closer together than standard tracks, which was useful for navigating tough mountain terrain.

This railway was vital for transporting timber, gold, and other goods out of the remote areas of eastern Oregon. It played a huge role in the economy and development of the region during the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Sumpter Valley Railway Passenger Station

The historic Sumpter Valley Railway Passenger Station in Prairie City.

Also related to the Sumpter Valley Railway, the Passenger Station in Prairie City is a historic building. Located at Main and Bridge Streets, this station was where people would catch trains to travel or send goods. It's a physical reminder of the days when trains were the main way to get around and connect communities.

Sumpter Valley Railway, Middle Fork (John Day River) Spur

The old Sumpter Valley Railway grade along the Middle Fork John Day River.

Another part of the Sumpter Valley Railway system is the Middle Fork (John Day River) Spur. This section of the railway ran along the Middle Fork John Day River, connecting areas like Bates to Susanville. Spurs are smaller railway lines that branch off a main line, often built to reach specific resources like logging camps or mines. This spur was important for moving resources from the Middle Fork John Day River area.

Supervisor's House No. 1001

The Supervisor's House No. 1001 in John Day.

Located within the Malheur National Forest near John Day, Supervisor's House No. 1001 was the residence for the forest supervisor. Built by the Forest Service, this house is an example of the types of buildings created to support the management of national forests. It shows the presence and importance of the Forest Service in the region's history.

Former Listings

Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed from the list. This can happen for different reasons, such as if the building is changed too much, or if it is unfortunately destroyed.

One such place in Grant County was the Dayville Hotel, located in Dayville. It was listed in 1983 but later removed in 1984.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Oregon
• Listings in neighboring counties: Baker, Crook, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, Wheeler
• List of National Historic Landmarks in Oregon
• Historic preservation
• History of Oregon
• Lists of Oregon-related topics

External links

• Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, National Register Program
• National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places site