The City of Pendleton had its beginning in the early 1860’s when Moses Goodwin purchased land from a squatter for one span of horses. The site selected was between Birch and Wildhorse Creek to be named Pendleton in honor of Senator George H. Pendleton of Ohio (1864 Vice presidential candidate for the United States). In December of that year, Moses Goodwin and his wife deeded 2 1/2 acres of land to the county from which the original town was platted on December 18, 1868.Pendleton was officially incorporated on October 25, 1880, with a population of 730 inhabitants. In 1910 local attorney Roy Raley, who had an excellent flare for theatrics, decided to have a rodeo after harvest and the famous Pendleton Round-Up was born. The show was such a success that property was purchased and permanent buildings and grounds were constructed to hold the annual event. The slogan “Let’er Buck” was adopted as the Round- Up byline. The traditional event is held annually in the second week in September and now draws over 50,000 people. Another thing that Pendleton is famous for, is the Pendleton Woolen Mill. A major railhead serving the Columbia Plateau, the town of Pendleton was a wool shipping center for sheep growers of the region. The mill, originally built in 1893 by Thomas Kay, began as a wool scouring plant, which washed the raw wool before shipping. Kay’s daughter, Fannie helped to run the business and eventually took over along with her husband, Retail Merchant, C.P. Bishop. Due to increased freight tariffs on the shipment of scoured wool, the business soon became unprofitable. In 1895, the scouring plant was enlarged and converted into a woolen mill which made bed blankets and robes for Native Americans. This venture also failed and the mill went idle. In 1909, the Bishops reopened the facility and constructed a new, more efficient mill building with aid of a local bond issue. In September of that year, the first products emerged from the new finishing department and the tradition of Pendleton Woolen Mills began.The production of Indian blankets resumed as the Bishops applied intuitive business concepts for quality products and distinctive styling. A study of the color and design preferences of local and Southwest Native Americans resulted in vivid colors and intricate patterns. Trade expanded from the Nez Perce nation near Pendleton to the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni nations. These Pendleton blankets were used as basic wearing apparel and as a standard of value for trading and credit among Native Americans. The blankets also became prized for ceremonial use. Today the company is going strong, six generations of Bishops deep, and have expanded to mens and women’s apparel. The other big draw to Pendleton is the Wildhorse Resort and Casino. The casino, built about twenty years ago and owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, is an entertainment destination in Eastern Oregon. The 24 hour, Vegas style casino features gaming action on over 1170 of the latest and most popular slot machines, an array of table games, poker, bingo and keno. The 300 hotel rooms, 100 space RV Park, and tipi village at the resort offer stunning views of the Blue Mountains rivaled only to that of the view from Plateau Fine Dining, one of five restaurants at the resort. The resort also boasts a championship 18-hole golf course, 5 theatre Cineplex and tribal museum. For the youngsters, the Children’s Entertainment Center is just around the corner from the movie counter. Located between the Casino & Golf Course, Wildhorse RV Park features 30 amp and 50 amp sites, hook-ups for sewer, water and electrical, heated outdoor swimming pool and spa, showers, laundry room, free shuttle services and free Wifi. They offer packages combining RV camping, golf cart rental/holes of golf, and dining. You can click here to view the packages, dates and rates. Have you traveled to Pendleton and enjoyed your stay? Share your story and/or your photos with us here or on our Facebook page!
