Have you ever visited a new city and wondered about how street names or buildings got their names? They're like a tiny window into the history of an area. They can tell us so much if we're willing to listen. This week we'd like to share some of the history of Bend via the names of a couple of favorite spots.
Dr. John Strong Newberry, a naturalist, came central Oregon in 1858 with the US Army to survey the land for railroads. Because of his extensive work, the Newberry Volcanic Monument was dedicated to him in 1903. Interestingly, while Newberry was mapping railroads, Cheif Paulina was leading raids against groups like Newberry's in the area. Paulina Lake and Paulina Peak are both named after him. Paulina was a prominent Paiute warrior known for his guerrilla tactics. You can visit all of these places on our Volcano Tour.
Paulina Falls at the Newberry Caldera
If you've ever enjoyed carving through fresh powder on the slopes of Mt. Bachelor, you should probably say a thank you to Bill Healy. He had a dream to make Mt. Bachelor a ski resort, and his dream came to life in 1958. It has grown substantially since those early days and now boasts more than 10 chair lifts and 4 lodges. On your way to the mountain you may cross Bill Healey Bridge on Reed Market. The beach under the bridge is also a great place for an afternoon picnic! (Don't forget to buy your winter Mt. Bachelor tickets before prices go up after September 30th!)
If you're headed up to the mountains, you'll find yourself on Century Drive. What used to be a migratory path for elk and deer is now a paved scenic byway that will lead you to some of our favorite spots in the area. Before it was paved in 1995, Century Drive (get it? 100 miles), or Cascade Lakes Highway was a 100 mile dirt logging road that looped from Bend to the mountains, to Crescent and then back to Bend on Highway 97.
Alexander Drake left Minnesota and traveled west in a covered wagon in 1883. When they saw the beauty of the Deschutes and the remarkable mountain views, like many of us, they decided they had to stay. Drake was a developer and organizer responsible for starting much of Bend's modernization. If you're hungry or in need of a good view, or just feeling particularly historical, visit Drake Park or Drake Restaurant downtown.
If you like baseball, make time for a visit to historic Vince Genna Stadium. It opened in 1964 and was later named after its builder, Bend's Parks and Rec Department director, and former American Legion coach, Vince Genna. Be sure to check out the stadium and the Elks next season!
Oh and Skeleton Cave... you may be able to guess why it's named what it is... but we won't give that one away. Join us for a cave tour and learn the history!
Are there any other names of streets or places in Bend that have you scratching your head? Be sure to ask!
