Standing in the Gap for Oregon

Grain elevators, Condon The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing . Psalm 65:13 If we are traveling east along I-84 from Sherman County, the next in line, and very similar, is Gilliam County. It also lies at the heart of the Columbia River Plateau wheat-growing area and is known for its production of wheat, barley and cattle. Gilliam County was created in 1885 and named after Cornelius Gilliam who was a major participant in the Cayuse War that took place after the Whitman Massacre. Arlington was originally the county seat but it was later moved 38 miles south to Condon. Arlington is the area of Gilliam County I am most familiar with as it was a favorite stopping place on trips to and from Idaho. Arlington is also a good place for windfarms, with some large ones just outside of town. Arlington’s population is just under 600. During the 1960’s the town was relocated to higher ground to keep from being flooded...

Sherman County Wind Turbines He let loose the east wind from the heavens and by his power made the south wind to blow. Psalms 78:26 As you drive I-84 along the Columbia River going east, Sherman County is next after Wasco County and was, in fact, created out of a portion of Wasco County in 1889. It was named after the Civil War general, William Tecumseh Sherman. I associate Sherman County with Biggs Junction, a “census-designated place” at a crossroads where you can turn south onto US 97 to reach the interior of the county and the incorporated towns of Wasco and Moro, or turn north to cross the Columbia into eastern Washington. While we often stop for lunch and/or gas there, I don’t recall ever turning south at Biggs Junction. We are usually traveling to visit family in Washington, and cross the Columbia there on the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge. The pioneers on the Oregon Trail did turn south, though, some electing to not continue on up the Columbia to the Willamette Valley, instead...