Originally the land of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people, and located in Umatilla County, Hermiston, Oregon lies just south of the Columbia River and the Washington border. Once a common stop for travelers, Hermiston was referred to as the "Six Mile House" throughout the 1860s and 70s. Hermiston wasn't incorporated until 1907.
In its early years Hermiston's industry focused on agriculture. Due to the 1902 Reclamation Act, which provided resources for the development of the Umatilla Irrigation Project, water was diverted from the Umatilla River to farmers' fields. This initiative allowed farmers to grow wheat, peas, and potatoes, which were exported to Portland via railroad and riverboat.
According to the U.S. Census, Hermiston's population was 647 people in 1910. Today the population stands at 19,354 people, a 6.4% growth since 2010. With proximity to both I-82 and I-84, Hermiston has become the largest city in Eastern Oregon.
Hermiston, Oregon Chamber of Commerce. "History of Hermiston." Accessed September 23, 2021. https://hermistonchamber.com/history-of-hermiston/.
Tucker, Kathy. Description for Promotional Brochure, Hermiston. Oregon History Project. 2002. Accessed September 23, 2021. https://www.oregonhistoryproject.org/articles/historical-records/promotional-brochure-hermiston/#.YUzz3S-cbjA.
United States Census Bureau. "U.S. Census 1910." Accessed September 23, 2021. http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/36894832v3ch4.pdf.
United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Hermiston City, Oregon." Accessed September 23, 2021. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/hermistoncityoregon,US/PST045219.
1501 Kincaid Street
Eugene, OR 97403
P: 541-346-3053
F: 541-346-3485