Prineville

Founding and First Mentions

Prineville is considered the oldest settlement in Central Oregon. Its history began in 1868, when settler Barney Prine established a blacksmith shop and a small store-saloon on the banks of the Crooked River. Initially, the place was known simply as "Prine," but by 1871, with the official opening of a post office, the town was registered under the name Prineville.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional center was driven by several factors:

• Geography and Resources: Its location in a fertile river valley provided access to water and pasture, which was critically important in the region's arid climate.
• Trade Hub: The city became a key supply and rest stop for travelers and freight wagons crossing the state.
• Political Status: In 1882, after the creation of Crook County, Prineville was chosen as its administrative center, solidifying its influence in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the late 19th century, Prineville's economy was primarily based on ranching. The city became the unofficial capital for local ranchers engaged in cattle and sheep breeding. Later, logging was added to the agricultural sector, thanks to the vast pine forests in the vicinity, forming Prineville's image as a town of loggers and cowboys that persists in local culture to this day.

Key Milestones in Prineville's History

• 1868 — Barney Prine founded the first settlement, building a blacksmith shop and a small store on the banks of the Crooked River.
• 1880 — Prineville was officially incorporated and granted city status by a decision of the Oregon Legislative Assembly.
• 1882 — The city became the administrative center of the newly formed Crook County, strengthening its political significance in the region.
• 1911 — Major rail lines were laid bypassing Prineville, threatening the city with economic isolation.
• 1918 — The municipal railway (City of Prineville Railway) was launched, built with funds from residents to connect with the main line.
• 1930s — The beginning of rapid growth in the logging industry, which became the backbone of the city's economy for decades.
• 1952 — Les Schwab purchased a small tire business in Prineville, founding what would become the major corporation Les Schwab Tire Centers.
• 1990s — A decline in the timber industry and the closure of major sawmills necessitated a reorientation of the city's economy.
• 2010 — Facebook (now Meta) announced the construction of a major data center in Prineville, marking the beginning of the technological development stage.
• 2012 — Apple Inc. followed its neighbors' example and began construction of its own data processing center in the city.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The history of Prineville is an example of incredible resilience and the ability to adapt to change. From a cowboy settlement to a digital hub, here are the main events that defined the modern face of the city:

• Construction of the "People's Railroad" (1918). When major rail lines bypassed the city, threatening it with extinction, residents voted to build their own branch line using municipal funds. This unique decision saved the economy, ensuring the export of livestock and timber to external markets.
• The Rise of the Timber Industry (1930s–1980s). The housing boom in the US turned Prineville into a major center for logging. The processing of Ponderosa pine became the foundation of resident prosperity for decades, shaping the working-class lifestyle and character of the city.
• The Start of the Les Schwab Empire (1952). It was here that Les Schwab bought his first tire shop, turning it into one of the largest privately held companies in the Western US. The company's success had a huge impact on business culture and philanthropy in the region.
• Construction of the Bowman Dam (1961). The erection of the dam on the Crooked River protected the city from devastating floods and created the Prineville Reservoir. This event boosted agricultural development through irrigation and opened new opportunities for tourism and water-based recreation.
• The Resource Economy Crisis (1990s). Changes in environmental legislation and a reduction in logging volumes led to the closure of major sawmills. This difficult period forced city authorities to seek radically new development paths, moving away from a raw-material model.
• Digital Re-industrialization (Since 2010). The arrival of tech giants Facebook (Meta) and Apple marked a new era for Prineville. The mild climate (ideal for cooling servers) and tax incentives attracted billions in investment, turning the city into an important node in the global network of data centers.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Prineville is a visual chronicle of the American West. Here, you won't find grand Baroque flourishes or Gothic spires; the city's appearance was shaped by the practicality of pioneers, the needs of the timber industry, and its status as a county seat. The urban structure is simple and straightforward: a historic center with a grid street pattern, surrounded by residential neighborhoods and modern industrial zones.

The Frontier Era and Establishment (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The most colorful layer of urban development dates back to the period when the temporary settlement transformed into a permanent city. The wooden buildings of the early years have mostly vanished due to fires, giving way to durable stone and brick.

• Style: Commercial Eclecticism, "Brick Style."
• Key Features: One- and two-story buildings made of red brick or local stone with large storefront windows on the ground floors and decorative cornices. These buildings create the cozy atmosphere of Main Street.
• Landmark: The A.R. Bowman Museum building. Built in 1910 as a bank, it is constructed from tuff (a local volcanic rock) and brick, symbolizing the reliability and prosperity of the ranching era.

Administrative Monumentality (1900s)

Status as the Crook County seat required appropriate architectural design intended to emphasize power and law in the wild territories.

• Style: Neoclassicism (Classical Revival).
• Key Features: Symmetry, the use of columns, pediments, and imposing entrance groups.
• Landmark: The Crook County Courthouse. Built in 1909, this majestic three-story building with a clock tower dominates the city center. It is the primary architectural symbol of Prineville and a fine example of civic architecture from that period.

Residential Development and the "American Dream" (Early to Mid-20th Century)

In the residential blocks adjacent to the center, one can trace the changing tastes of the American middle class.

• Styles: Queen Anne (simplified Victorian), Craftsman (Craftsman/Bungalow).
• Key Features: Cozy wooden houses with wide porches, low-pitched roofs, and attention to handcrafted details. These homes reflect the era when logging became the backbone of the economy, and high-quality timber was available to every resident.

The Modern Stage: The High-Tech Era (21st Century)

While the historic center retains its Western atmosphere, the outskirts of the city showcase a radically new approach to architecture linked to the arrival of tech giants.

• Style: Modern Industrial Functionalism.
• Key Features: Enormous, minimalist data center complexes (Meta, Apple). This is utilitarian architecture on a massive scale, where form is entirely dictated by cooling and energy efficiency functions. These structures create an interesting contrast with the surrounding high-desert landscape.

Notable People of Prineville

Despite its modest size, Prineville has been home or a starting point for a number of people who have left a significant mark on the history of Oregon, American business, and pop culture.

Founding Fathers and Leaders of the Past

• Barney Prine — City Founder and Entrepreneur.
  A key figure in the settlement's history. In 1868, he built the first blacksmith shop and trading post on the banks of the Crooked River, around which the city formed. His initiative and charisma laid the foundation for the development of local trade.
• Arthur R. Bowman — Judge and Public Figure.
  A man often called "Mr. Prineville." Bowman played a decisive role in the region's economic development in the mid-20th century, actively lobbying for the construction of the dam on the Crooked River for irrigation and flood protection. The dam and the local museum now bear his name.

Business and Politics

• Les Schwab — Business Tycoon and Philanthropist.
  It was in Prineville in 1952 that Schwab bought his first tire shop, laying the foundation for the Les Schwab Tire Centers empire. His innovative approach to service and employee profit-sharing changed the business model in the industry. The company's headquarters were located here for decades.
• Tom McCall — Governor of Oregon (1967–1975) and Journalist.
  One of the most influential politicians in the state's history, known for his environmental initiatives. McCall grew up on a ranch north of Prineville and graduated from the local high school. Life in Central Oregon strongly influenced his views on environmental protection.

Culture and Sport

• Dallas McKennon — Voice Actor.
  A legendary voice who brought many characters to life for Disney (such as in "Lady and the Tramp" and "101 Dalmatians") and the famous Gumby. McKennon lived in Prineville for many years until his death, being an active member of the local community.
• Texie Waterman — Choreographer.
  A Prineville native who became nationally known as the first choreographer for the famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. She transformed cheerleading into a professional show, setting standards for the entire NFL industry.
• Colby Covington — Mixed Martial Artist (MMA).
  A UFC star and former interim welterweight champion. Covington spent his youth in Prineville and graduated from Crook County High School, where he already proved himself as an outstanding wrestler, winning a state championship.