Pendleton history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Pendleton began in the mid-19th century with the establishment of a trading post by European settlers in the Umatilla River valley. One of the first significant residents was Moses Goodwin, who exchanged land with local inhabitants and built a house and a bridge here. The city received its official name in 1868 in honour of the Democratic politician and US Vice-Presidential candidate George Hunt Pendleton. The settlement was granted the status of an incorporated city in 1880.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small trading post into a thriving city was driven by several strategic advantages:

• Administrative Status: A decisive moment in its development was the proclamation of Pendleton as the administrative centre of Umatilla County in 1868, which drew political and economic activity from neighbouring settlements.
• Geography and Transport: Its location at the foot of the Blue Mountains and the presence of a river crossing made the city an important transit point for travellers and traders.
• The Railway: The arrival of the railway in the 1880s connected the region with major sales markets, accelerating economic growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, the regional economy relied on livestock farming, particularly sheep breeding, which laid the foundation for the city's world-renowned wool industry. The famous blankets and clothing of the Pendleton Woolen Mills brand became a symbol of quality and local craftsmanship.

The cultural life of early Pendleton was steeped in the spirit of the true Wild West. The city was famous for its saloons and entertainment venues that catered to cowboys and ranch workers. This rich heritage subsequently transformed into the tradition of holding one of the most prestigious rodeos in the world — the Pendleton Round-Up, which gathers thousands of spectators annually.

Major Milestones in Pendleton's History

• 1864 — Moses Goodwin erects the first house and a toll bridge across the Umatilla River, laying the foundation for the future settlement.
• 1868 — The city receives its official name in honour of politician George Pendleton and becomes the county seat.
• 1880 — Pendleton receives the status of an incorporated city, forming its own municipal government.
• 1882 — Completion of the railway line connects the city to major trade routes and accelerates its development.
• 1893 — The opening of a wool scouring plant kickstarts the development of the textile industry, which became the region's hallmark.
• 1909 — The Bishop family founds the Pendleton Woolen Mills factory, launching the production of famous woollen blankets with Native American patterns.
• 1910 — The first Pendleton Round-Up rodeo takes place, quickly earning a reputation as one of the grandest in the West.
• 1941 — The city airfield is transformed into a military airbase, becoming an important training centre during the Second World War.
• 1942 — Participants of the famous "Doolittle Raid" undergo part of their training in Pendleton before deployment.
• 1984 — The historic Main Street district is included in the US National Register of Historic Places.
• 1989 — Launch of the "Pendleton Underground Tours", revealing the history of the city's hidden tunnels.

Stages of City Development and Transformation

Pendleton's history is a journey from a trading post to a world-renowned centre of cowboy culture and the textile industry. Several key milestones can be highlighted that defined the modern appearance and economy of the city:

• Formation of a Transport Hub (1860–1880s)
  The construction of a toll bridge across the Umatilla River and the subsequent arrival of the railway turned an isolated settlement into the main trading gateway of Eastern Oregon. This ensured a stable influx of goods and settlers necessary for initial urban growth.
• Becoming the "Wool Capital" (Early 20th Century)
  The opening of the Pendleton Woolen Mills factory marked the transition from simple cattle breeding to deep raw material processing. The city gained a powerful industrial base, and the brand of local woollen products became a mark of world-class quality, ensuring the region's economic stability for decades.
• Institutionalisation of Cowboy Culture (From 1910)
  The organisation of the first Pendleton Round-Up rodeo became a turning point in cultural life. The construction of the stadium and arena turned spontaneous competitions into an organised entertainment industry, forming a recognisable international brand for the city.
• Hidden Urbanisation and the "Underground City" (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)
  During the period of rapid growth, a unique network of underground tunnels formed in the city. Initially, they served for logistics and clandestine business activities, but were subsequently preserved and turned into a museum attraction, becoming an important urban monument of the Wild West era.
• Military-Industrial Modernisation (1940s)
  During the Second World War, the development of the local airfield for the needs of the US Air Force led to massive investments in infrastructure. After the war, these facilities became the foundation for the modern airport and industrial park, diversifying the city's economy.
• Revitalisation of the Historic Centre (1980s – Present)
  The inclusion of the central district in the National Register of Historic Places and the launch of heritage preservation programmes (including tours of the underground tunnels) reoriented the economy towards tourism. The city successfully monetised its history, turning ancient architecture into an asset.

Architectural Evolution: From Frontier to Brick City

The architectural appearance of Pendleton is the history of the Wild West frozen in stone, seamlessly transitioning into the organised urban space of the 20th century. Unlike metropolises, there is no layering of high-rise styles here; the city has preserved a cosy scale and the atmosphere of the turn of the century. Urban development proceeded along the Umatilla River and railway tracks, forming a rectangular street grid classic for American cities.

Styles and Historical Eras

The development of the central part of the city reflects the transition from temporary wooden structures to permanent construction, caused by the economic boom and the need for fire protection.

• Victorian Commercial Style and Italianate (1880–1900s)
  This is the dominant style of the historic centre. After a series of fires, wooden structures were replaced by brick buildings with characteristic decorative cornices, arched windows, and cast-iron facade elements. These buildings symbolised the reliability and prosperity of the trading city.
• Romanesque Revival (Richardson Romanesque) (Early 20th Century)
  Characterised by massiveness, the use of rough stone, and wide arches. This style was often used for banks and hotels to emphasise their solidity. A vivid example is the Temple Hotel building.
• American Renaissance and Neoclassicism (1910–1930s)
  During the period of civic construction, administrative and public buildings appeared with strict symmetrical facades and columns. An example is the historic Federal Post Office building, demonstrating the influence of classical European canons.
• Western Vernacular Architecture (1910–Present)
  A unique style dictated by the function and traditions of the region. These are the wooden stands of the rodeo arena and utility structures, creating an authentic backdrop for cowboy culture.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

A large part of Pendleton's central district (South Main Street Commercial Historic District) is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Key objects forming the city panorama include:

• Pendleton Round-Up Arena: The heart of the city and its main architectural symbol. The stadium preserves historic wooden stands, which is a rarity for modern sports facilities.
• Hamley & Co. Building: A historic building housing the famous saddlery and shop. Its facade and interiors are a benchmark of the Western style.
• Clock Tower: A preserved element of the old Umatilla County Courthouse (demolished in the 1950s). The tower was saved by residents and relocated, becoming an important city landmark.
• Pendleton Woolen Mills Factory: A red brick complex representing an example of early 20th-century industrial architecture, which is still functioning today.

Founders and Pioneers

• Moses Goodwin
  Early Settler and Entrepreneur
  Considered the de facto founder of the city. In 1864, Goodwin built the first house and a toll bridge across the Umatilla River. It was his trading post that became the core around which the settlement grew, subsequently receiving city status.
• George Hunt Pendleton
  Politician and Statesman
  Although the politician himself never lived in these parts, his name is forever linked to the city. In 1868, the county court assigned the name Pendleton to the settlement in honour of this prominent Democrat from Ohio, a US Vice-Presidential candidate whose popularity in the West was extremely high in those years.
• The Bishop Family
  Industrialists, Founders of the Pendleton Brand
  In 1909, Fannie, Clarence, Roy, and Chauncey Bishop acquired an idle woollen mill and launched production. They created the famous geometric blanket patterns inspired by Native American art, turning local production into the world-renowned Pendleton Woolen Mills brand.

Rodeo Heroes and Wild West Culture

• Roy Raley
  Lawyer, "Father" of the Pendleton Round-Up
  In 1910, Raley initiated the first city rodeo, striving to create a large-scale harvest festival. He became the first president of the Round-Up association and personally designed the famous arena that is still in use today.
• Jackson Sundown
  Legendary Rider, Nephew of Chief Joseph
  An icon of cowboy sport from the Nez Perce tribe. He became a national hero in 1916 when he won the world champion title in saddle bronc riding at the Pendleton Round-Up at the age of 53, demonstrating incredible skill and resilience.
• George Fletcher
  Cowboy, Rodeo Star
  One of the first and most famous African American cowboys of the early 20th century. His unique, relaxed riding style made him a crowd favourite. The 1911 competition with his participation went down in history as one of the most dramatic events in the world of rodeo.

Guardians of Order

• Til Taylor
  Sheriff of Umatilla County
  A legendary officer of the law who served as sheriff from 1902 to 1920. Taylor enjoyed immense respect for his fairness and ability to resolve conflicts without weapons. His tragic death while attempting to prevent a prison escape became a nationwide event; a monument stands in his honour in Til Taylor Park.