Owyhee, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Owyhee, Oregon
|
|
|---|---|
 Owyhee, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Owyhee, Oregon
Location in the United States
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Malheur |
| Elevation | 2,195 ft (669 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| Area code(s) | 541 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1136607 |
| Coordinates and elevation from Geographic Names Information System | |
Owyhee is a small, quiet place in Malheur County, Oregon, in the United States. It's not a big city or town, but a community where people live. You can find it along Oregon Route 201, a road that connects the towns of Adrian and Nyssa. Owyhee is special because it's located very close to where two important rivers meet: the Owyhee River and the mighty Snake River.
Discovering Owyhee, Oregon
Owyhee is what's called an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and buildings that aren't officially part of a city or town government. Instead, it's part of the larger Malheur County. Even without its own city hall, Owyhee is a real place where people live and work.
Where is Owyhee Located?
This community is nestled in the eastern part of Oregon. It sits right next to Oregon Route 201, which is a state highway. This road helps connect Owyhee to nearby towns like Adrian and Nyssa. One of the most interesting things about Owyhee's location is its closeness to two major rivers. The Owyhee River flows into the much larger Snake River right near the community. These rivers are important for the local environment and history.
How Did Owyhee Get Its Name?
The name Owyhee has a fascinating story! It comes from the Owyhee River, which flows through the area. Before the 1800s, the islands of Hawaii were often called Owyhee. So, how did a river in Oregon get a Hawaiian name?
In 1826, a famous explorer named Peter Skene Ogden was leading an expedition through the Snake River country. Two men from Hawaii were part of his group. Sadly, these two Hawaiians were killed by Snake Indians during the expedition. To honor these men, it's believed that the river was named Owyhee. Later, the community that grew up near the river also took on the same name. This name reminds us of the early explorers and the diverse people who helped shape the history of this region.
