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If Baker County is a microcosm
of Western development, Durkee valley is a postage stamp sized
microcosm.
It enfolds the story of the West; from the Indian trail to Oregon
Trail to cattle to Transcontinental railroads and highway to modern
industry, just across the fence.
The Oregon Trail proceeded up the Burnt River, where
the way was rocky, rough, and ruinous to pioneer stock and wagons.
It should cause no wonder that pioneers took to the hills above the
Burnt River Canyon wherever possible.
One such diversion was the trail up Sisley Creek and down Swazey to
elude the grasp of the canyon near Nelson Point, but yet to enter
the luxurious little Durkee valley.
At the upper end of the valley Burnt River tumbled from
its brawling passage through Burnt River Canyon. Here it flowed
through a pioneer paradise with lush green pasture, level ground,
and a place to rest after the grueling pull from Farewell Bend. This
was Express until later named Durkee.
It was natural that sheep and cattlemen should see this
as desirable for ranching. To the east a dozen miles is the Lookout
mountain range, used by Indians as a key Lookout and by ranchers as
sheep and cattle range.
To the south is the Pedro mountain range, Morman Basin
and Rye Valley. To the northeast is the saddle between Burnt and
Powder River drainages.
In 1880-1884, the railroad sought this route. Durkee
prospered as a construction and maintenance area.
Attempting to avoid the Burnt River Canyon, one branch of the Oregon
Trail passed through the high mountain placer country known as Rye
Valley and dropped into the lower end of Durkee valley.
Durkee has retained its "home" atmosphere of family
ranches, had its school, Grange, Village Store and Church, and a
blacksmith shop.
The Ash Grove Cement West, Inc. plant, (formerly Oregon-Portland
Cement), is one of Baker County's largest industries. (JRE)
For additional information
on Durkee:
Historic Baker County
Durkee |
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