Deschutes County Celebrates 100 Years

This year, Deschutes County – Oregon’s youngest county – will celebrate its 100th birthday. In 1916, voters passed a ballot measure to create a new county from western Crook County territory, and Deschutes was born.

From humble beginnings, Deschutes County now experiences the most rapid population growth of any county in Oregon. Over the course of its 100 year history, it has developed into a bustling, exciting destination where progress, growth and unique beauty intertwine.

To celebrate the County’s rich history, the Deschutes County Historical Society and a committee of citizen volunteers have planned a year-long celebration that will bring together groups of all kinds through a variety of events and activities. We hope you’ll celebrate with us.

To stay up-to-date with the County’s Centennial celebration and upcoming events, visit deschutes.org/100years for news, updates, history, and photos – past and present. On Twitter and Instagram, use and search the hashtag, #DC100Years.

Upcoming Centennial Events

Centennial Celebration at the Deschutes Historical Museum
The Centennial Celebration will culminate on December 13 with an open house at the Deschutes Historical Museum.

About Deschutes County History

At the time of statehood, Wasco County included all of Central Oregon from the Columbia River south to Silver Lake. As the eastern two-thirds of the state filled in with pioneers seeking homesteads of their own, smaller counties began to take shape. In 1882, the southern half of Wasco County separated to create Crook County with Prineville as the county seat.

With the completion of the Oregon Trunk railroad line in 1911 bringing train service through Madras, Terrebonne, Redmond, and Bend, but excluding Prineville, the balance of political power shifted west. Public debate of additional smaller counties appears as early as 1910. In 1914, voters approved the separation of the northwest corner of Crook County to form Jefferson while a separate measure to move the Crook County seat from Prineville to Bend narrowly failed. With Jefferson County’s example to follow, measures to move the county seat were abandoned and voters approved the creation of Deschutes County in November 1916.

The last of Oregon’s counties to be established, an all-day session of leaders convened December 19, 1916 to select the first officers for Deschutes County. Appointments included Judge William Barnes, Commissioners A.L. Mackintosh and Lew Smith, District Attorney Harvey DeArmond, Sheriff S.E. Roberts, Treasurer Clyde McKay, Coroner Elmer Niswonger, as well as a county clerk, assessor, surveyor, physician and superintendent of schools.

When Deschutes County was formed in 1916, there were an estimated 5,000 residents. By 1920, the first U.S. Census held after its formation, the population had nearly doubled. Since that time population growth in Deschutes County has been swift. Over the last 20 years, Deschutes County's percentage of growth remains higher than any other Oregon county.

Today, we enjoy 3,055 square miles of scenic beauty, varied climate, diverse recreational opportunities and a growing economy.

Deschutes County Maps and Photos: Then and Now

Want to take a step back in time? Check out these interactive Centennial maps to see what Deschutes County looked like in 1916.

Special thanks to the Deschutes County Historical Museum for sharing their photos with us. To see more photos, visit their website or Facebook page.

News Release Issued: January 4, 2016