Until the winter of 1824, this area was known only to Native Americans who hunted and fished here. Members of a fur trapping party led by Peter Skene Ogden were the earliest visitors. John Fremont and other Army survey parties came next. Then pioneers heading further west came through and forded the Deschutes River at "Farewell Bend". A small community developed around the bend in the river and in 1905 a city was incorporated with approximately 300 citizens. The Oregon Trunk Railroad was completed in 1911 and the community of Bend began to grow. 1914 brought two major lumber companies and timber became the mainstay of the local economy. Mt. Bachelor ski area became the catalyst for the visitor industry which simultaneously generated industrial and commercial expansion. Wood products are still the leading economic factors with tourism also being the second largest industry. Other diversified industries are developing. Bend is also the retail center of Central Oregon.
POPULATION 2005.....
Bend 70,328
Deschutes County 135,450
GENERAL CLIMATE....
Bend enjoys the predominately dry climate of the Great Basin. Sunny days, low humidity, and cool nights provide the most common weather pattern.
TEMPERATURE....
Moderate days and cool nights characterize Bend’s year-round climate. Because of the high altitude and clear air, nighttime temperatures average 30° to 40° below the daytime highs. Evenings are generally cool, even in the summer, requiring sweaters or jackets. Annual temperature extremes show that only one year out of five has a temperature colder than –17° or warmer than 100°. Frost can occur during any summer month.
SCHOOLS....
BEND/LAPINE SCHOOL DISTRICT #1
www.bend.k12.or.us
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Administrative Offices, 520 NW Wall Street, 383-6000.
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Bend: 5 high schools (grades 9-12), 5 middle schools (grades 6-8), 9 elementary schools (grades K-5) and 3 magnet schools.
COLLEGES....
CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2600 NW College Way, 383-7700, www.cocc.edu
OSU CASCADE CAMPUS 2600 NW College Way, 322-3100, www.osucascades.edu
ENTERTAINMENT....
Two theater groups provide plays and entertainment year-round. Concerts, ranging from jazz to classical, are held throughout the year with many held outdoors at Drake Park. Two museums feature exhibits portraying the cultural and natural heritage of the area. There is a thriving art community supporting more than ten art galleries, juried expositions and art hop walking tours. Other entertainment options include nightclubs, dance halls and movie theaters.