1859 Summer 2009

From Where I Stand
written and photrgaphed by Bob Woodward
Union, Oregon
An insider's perspective on small-town Oregon in the Grande Ronde vAlley
Sue Briggs loves Union. “It's the mix of people, the sense of safety, the look
and feel of the place and the slow pace of life that make this town so wonderful," she says.
Located in the Grande Ronde Valley between the Blue Mountains to the west and the
Wallowas to the east, Union is small-town America.
"I know the appeal of the
natural surroundings
here, with the Wallowa
and Blue mountains,
and Hell's Canyon so
close by. But even more
so, I appreciate the fact
that Union is in Eastern
Oregon's banana belt."
Sue Briggs
Geologists muse that many of the rocky features west of Union were created between 13 and
14 years million ago, when lava shot through cinder cones on the western side of the Wallowa
Mountains. Lava flowed slowly leaving behind grey layered monuments and fertile volcanic soil
for farming.
Modern history of the Grande Ronde Valley found the Nez Perce and Umatilla tribes trading
goods along the Oregon Trail. After it was founded in 1862, the town continued its reputation
as a trade hub for goods, with supplies bound for Baker City miners coming off boats on the
Columbia River.
Today, Union (population 1,960) is called "The City of Victorian Heritage" after its cluster of
Victorian era homes along Main Street. Classic brick buildings in its downtown core area, like
the Union Hotel and the bus barn at the end of Main Street, are listed on the National Register of
Historic Buildings making Union quintessential small town Oregon.
Briggs, who lives two doors down from the historic post office in a house built in 1879, has
been a local for more than four decades. She served as Union's mayor (its first female mayor)
from 1992 to 2000, and is currently on the city council, and the town's economic development
and tourism committees.
Attracted by the town's obvious charm, retirees are Union’s primary growth hormone. “Prior
to this, the last influx of new people was during the late '70s early '80s real estate boom in Cali-
U N I O N
Did you know Union ...
Was founded in 1862, getting its name from
local support for the Union Army cause
during the Civil War.
Is home to the 102-year-old Eastern Oregon
Livestock Show and Rodeo, the longest
continuous running event of its type in the
state.
Is called "The City of Victorian Heritage"
for its stately old homes and well-kept
graveyard.
Alternated with La Grande as the Union
County seat until 1905 when La Grande
became the permanent seat.
Is a main stop on Highway 203, aka the
"back way", between La Grande and Baker
City and one of Oregon's most scenic road
bike routes.
Is home to the National Historical Register
listed Union Hotel, a little spooky at times,
whose annual haunted house Halloween
event draws thousands of participants from
across Oregon.
52 1859magazine.com summer 09