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Incorporated on February 9, 1887, Heppner celebrated
its 100th anniversary in 1987. It is known
as the "Gateway to the Blue Mountains"
and serves as the base camp for a multitude of
recreation activities nearby, including hunting,
fishing, camping, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling and cross-country
skiing. In 1869 George Stansbury purchased the claim of a
man name Estes in the foothills of the Blue
Mountains where five canyons converge.
The
area was known as Stansbury Flats. In 1872,
J.D. Morrow, a merchant in La Grande, was
convinced that the area would be a favorable
site for a trading center. Morrow
entered into a partnership with Henry Heppner,
also of La Grande, and they built a store on
the crossing of the present May and Main
Streets, thought to be the present site of the
Les Schwab Tire Center.
The store building was later moved farther
north to the crossing of the present day
Willow and Main Streets where Devin's Chevron Service Center now
stands. A blacksmith shop and a saloon were
soon opened followed by rapid growth of the
community. |
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 It was suggested by J.D. Morrow that the new town
be named Heppner in honor of Henry Heppner, and
over Henry's objection, the townspeople approved
the name change. As he never married and had
no direct heirs, it is only fitting that the
community he was so instrumental in founding
should perpetuate his name.
Today, Heppner is the thriving county seat of
Morrow County. As a gateway to the Blue
Mountains, there is easy access to all the nearby
mountain recreation areas. You are invited to
visit Heppner and enjoy recreation at its best.
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