FACTS & HISTORY OF CENTRAL OREGON

Around the turn of the 20th century, trappers, ranchers, and loggers carved out a living near the town that eventually became the Deschutes County Seat.  Then, as now, Bend is the commercial, retail, and service center for a region that nearly stretches from the Washington State line to the California border.  With the arrival of a rail line to Bend in 1911, lumber and agricultural products could be economically shipped to outside markets. 

By the 1920’s three mills operated by Shevlin-Hixon and two operated by Brooks-Scanlon dominated the local economy and brought significant population and employment growth.  By the 1950’s, timber resources began to show signs of strain, when Shevlin-Hixon closed all three mills and sold its Central Oregon holdings to Brooks-Scanlon.  In an effort to better utilize the declining supply of wood fiber, timber companies diversified into moldings, particleboard and plywood manufacturing during the 1960's and 70's. 

In the early 1980’s the community hit an economic low point with nearly a quarter of the workforce unemployed. About this time community leaders pursued tourism development as an additional leg to its economic foundation and as a tool for broader diversification efforts. Success of this strategy has been felt through the 1990's as the community attracted new investment in nearly all sectors.  A “critical mass” of quality amenities for both residents and visitors has also built an industry presence in computer software and hardware, medical equipment, aerospace, and recreation equipment manufacturing. 

During the past 10 years, Deschutes County, which is made up of the following areas: Bend, Sunriver, La Pine, Redmond, Sisters; has experienced the most rapid growth of any county in the state largely due to its invigorating climate and year-round recreation activities. In fact, Central Oregon has been noted in many national newspapers and media boasting the quality of life we have here along with a robust real estate market.