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

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list of buildings, places, and objects in the United States that are super important to history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations. Wallowa County in Oregon has many cool places on this list, showing off its rich history, from old banks and schools to ranger stations and even ancient Native American sites. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!

Historic Buildings in Wallowa County

Many buildings in Wallowa County have stories to tell. They show us how people lived, worked, and built their communities long ago.

Joseph's Old Bank and Doctor's Office

The Dr. J.W. Barnard Building and First National Bank of Joseph (at 012–014 Main St. in Joseph) was added to the list in 1991. Imagine a time when your doctor's office was right next to the bank! This building tells us about the early days of Joseph, when these services were vital for the growing town.

The historic First National Bank of Joseph building.

Another important bank building in Joseph is the First Bank of Joseph (at 2nd and Main Sts.). It joined the list even earlier, in 1978. These old banks are reminders of how towns like Joseph grew and developed.

A view of downtown Joseph, featuring the First Bank of Joseph.

Enterprise's Downtown Gems

The town of Enterprise has several historic buildings, especially in its downtown area.

• The Burnaugh Building (107 N. River St.) became historic in 1993. It's a key part of Enterprise's old main street.
• The Enterprise I.O.O.F. Hall (105 NE 1st Street) was added in 2012. I.O.O.F. stands for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a friendly society that often built community halls.
• The Enterprise Mercantile and Milling Company Building (115 E Main Street), also listed in 2012, was once a busy place for buying and selling goods, and likely processing grain.
• The Enterprise Public Library (101 NE 1st Street) joined the list in 2013. Libraries are important centers for learning and community, and this one has served Enterprise for many years.
• The Gotter Hotel (301 W. Main St.) was recognized in 1994. Hotels were crucial for travelers and new settlers in the past.
• The O.K. Theatre (208 W Main Street), listed in 2012, was a place where people went for entertainment, like watching movies or live shows.
• The Wallowa County Chieftain Building (106 NW 1st Street) became historic in 2012. This building likely housed the local newspaper, which was a main source of news for the community.
• The Wallowa County Courthouse (101 S. River St.) was added in 2000. Courthouses are where important government and legal decisions are made for the county.
• The William P. Warnock House (501 S. 5th St.) was listed in 1984. This house is a great example of the homes built in Enterprise long ago.

The historic Burnaugh Building in Enterprise.

The Enterprise I.O.O.F. Hall at dusk.

The Enterprise Mercantile and Milling Company Building.

The Enterprise Public Library.

The Gotter Hotel in Enterprise.

The O.K. Theatre, a historic entertainment venue.

The old Wallowa County Chieftain Building.

The Wallowa County Courthouse.

The William P. Warnock House.

Other Notable Buildings

• The Flora School (82744 Church St. in Flora) was listed in 1997. Old schools are special because they show where generations of students learned and grew.

The historic Flora School.

• The Hunter–Morelock House (104 Holmes St. in Wallowa) became historic in 1985. This house is a beautiful example of older homes in the Wallowa area.

The Hunter–Morelock House.

• The Lostine Pharmacy (125 Highway 82 in Lostine) was added in 2014. Pharmacies were important places for health and community in small towns.

The Lostine Pharmacy building.

Historic Ranger Stations and Lookouts

Wallowa County is home to parts of the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest and the Umatilla National Forest. Many old ranger stations and lookouts are on the historic register, showing how important these places were for managing forests and spotting fires.

• The Billy Meadows Guard Station (northeast of Red Hill summit, near Joseph) was listed in 1991. Guard stations were often small cabins or buildings where forest rangers lived and worked.

The Billy Meadows Guard Station residence.

• The College Creek Ranger Station (along the Imnaha River in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, near Imnaha) was added in 1991. This station helped rangers manage the forest in the Imnaha area.

The College Creek Ranger Station residence.

• The Hoodoo Ridge Lookout (in the Umatilla National Forest, near Troy) became historic in 2015. Lookouts are usually towers or cabins on high points, used to spot wildfires.

The Hoodoo Ridge Lookout Station.

• The Kirkland Lookout Ground House (Guard Station) (east of Joseph Creek, near Joseph) was listed in 1991. This was another important spot for forest management and fire watch.

The Kirkland Lookout Ground House.

• The Lick Creek Guard Station (in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, near Enterprise) was added in 1986. This station helped rangers protect the forest around Lick Creek.

A barn at the Lick Creek Guard Station.

• The Wallowa Ranger Station (602 W. 1st St. in Wallowa) was recognized in 2009. This station played a big role in managing the local forests.

The Wallowa Ranger Station.

Important Cultural and Archeological Sites

Some historic places are not buildings but areas that hold deep cultural or historical meaning, often related to Native American history.

Hells Canyon Archeological District

The Hells Canyon Archeological District (near Imnaha) was added to the list in 1984. This area is very important because it contains ancient sites that tell us about the lives of people who lived there thousands of years ago. Its exact location is kept private to protect these valuable historical treasures.

A view of Hells Canyon, an important archeological district.

Nez Perce Traditional Site, Wallowa Lake

The Nez Perce Traditional Site, Wallowa Lake (along Oregon Route 82 south of Joseph) is a very special place. It was listed in 1966 and is even a National Historic Landmark, which is a higher level of importance! This site was a traditional campground for the Nez Perce people for many years. It holds deep religious and cultural meaning for them. Even after Chief Joseph the Younger and his band were forced to leave, the importance of this place remained. It offers beautiful views of Wallowa Lake and the Wallowa Mountains. It is also the final resting place of Chief Joseph the Elder. This site is part of the Nez Perce National Historical Park.

The gravesite of Chief Joseph the Elder at Wallowa Lake.

These historic places in Wallowa County help us understand the past and appreciate the rich history of Oregon.