Crooked River Country: Wranglers, Rogues, and Barons

Crooked River Country is a sweeping account of north central Oregon's thrilling history, beginning in ancient times but focusing primarily on the period between 1800 and 1950. Bordered by intimidating natural barriers, the rough country and brutal winters produced equally hardy inhabitants. Legends include Billy Chinook, Chief Paulina, Elisha Barnes, James M. Blakely, Newt Williamson, James J. Hill, Johnnie Hudspeth, and Les Schwab.

The homestead boom sparked deadly Paiute raids and range wars. Native Americans were forced onto reservations. As land became more precious, the "Vigilantes" terrorized settlers with showdowns and lynchings, and gained a foothold in both local and state politics. "Moonshiners" fought back. Cattle ranchers slaughtered sheep (and sometimes shepherds) in conflicts over grazing rights. Dishonest politicians and capitalists misused road-building laws to profit from vast amounts of stolen timberland.

Steamship and railroad lines opened the region even further. Citizens erected schools and libraries, and the territory gradually became less wild. Big eastern lumber companies arrived, harvesting trees and constructing the largest pine mills in the world. The stock market collapsed, and central Oregonians faced severe economic depression intensified by long years of drought.

Yet the shift away from agriculture continued to spur industrial and population growth. Today, although desolate, empty corners and mysteries of the past still haunt Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Wasco, and Wheeler counties, Crooked River Country presents a captivating and thoroughly-researched look at the region's incredible transformation.