Waterman, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Waterman, Oregon
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Derelict building at Waterman
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 Waterman, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Waterman, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Wheeler |
| Named for | Ezekial Waterman, who settled here in 1862, or his son, John W. Waterman |
| Elevation | 3,947 ft (1,203 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Area code(s) | 541 |
| Coordinates and elevation from United States Geological Survey | |
Waterman, also known as Waterman Flat, is a small, undeveloped community in Wheeler County, Oregon. An unincorporated community means it's a place with people living there, but it doesn't have its own local government.
Waterman is located southeast of Richmond and northeast of Mitchell. It sits where Richmond Road, Parrish Creek Road, and Waterman Road all meet. Waterman Road connects to U.S. Route 26, which is about 10 miles (16 km) south of Waterman. This area was once a busy cattle-ranching spot. It even had its own post office from 1887 to 1944. Caleb N. Thornburg was the very first postmaster there.
History of Waterman
Waterman Flat has a rich history, especially from the late 1800s. It was an important stop for travelers and mail.
Stagecoach Stop
In the late 19th century, Waterman Flat was a vital stop for stagecoaches. Stagecoaches were like old-time buses that carried people and mail across long distances. Because of this, Waterman had a hotel where travelers could rest. It also had a livery stable, which was a place to keep and care for horses. This made Waterman a busy and important place for people traveling through Oregon.
What Remains Today
Over time, Waterman became less active. By 1975, most of the buildings were gone. All that was left were the ruins of an old barn. Today, Waterman is mostly a quiet, historic area. It reminds us of the past when stagecoaches and cattle ranches were a big part of life in Oregon.
