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 Wheeler
County was mostly ranching country 1889 with many ranches close
enough together to form a town. Such was the case when a group of
ranchers met to discuss forming a population center. All agreed
that the first building should be a school. All did not agree as
to the name of the town. Two of the principals could not agree on
anything. Even the Civil War got into the argument with one calling
the other “Jeff Davis” because of his rebellious attitude
and predicted if things ever did get ironed out the town would be
called Richmond after the capitol of the Confederacy. He was right.
The schoolhouse was built along with several stores, a church, a
lodge hall and other buildings. And the town began to grow. The
introduction of the automobile, however, gave the population the
opportunity to drive to neighboring but larger towns to buy their
supplies and Richmond began its decline. Today, its buildings are
deserted and those that remain present a picturesque ghost town.
Related
Links:
Wheeler
County | Eastern
Oregon
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