City of The Dalles

Hometown History: The Dalles, OR

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The Dalles, located in the Columbia River Gorge in the U.S. state of Oregon, is a city with a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area has been inhabited by various Native American tribes for centuries, and it has played an important role in the development of the region. From a transportation and trading hub for native tribes to a center for agriculture and later hydroelectric power production, The Dalles has been an integral part of the region’s history.

The name “The Dalles” is derived from the French word “dalles,” meaning “flagstones” or “slabs,” which refers to the basaltic rock formations that line the banks of the Columbia River. The Dalles area has been a major transportation and trading hub for the native tribes like Wasco and Celilo for centuries. The Dalles was a vital location for these tribes, as well as for European settlers and later American pioneers traveling westward on the Oregon Trail.

In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area, and they noted the potential for a transportation route through the Columbia River Gorge. This led to the establishment of Fort Dalles in 1857 by the U.S. Army. The fort was established to protect settlers and aid in the Indian Wars. The Dalles was an important location for military operations in the region, and it played a vital role in the settlement of the American West.

During the late 19th century, The Dalles became a major center for agriculture, particularly wheat and fruit production. The fertile land in the area, along with the availability of water from the Columbia River, made it an ideal location for farming. The construction of the Dalles Dam in 1957 brought hydroelectric power and irrigation to the area, but it also caused the displacement of local tribes and the flooding of traditional fishing sites. The Dalles Dam was the first of several dams built on the Columbia River as part of the Columbia River Basin Development Project, which aimed to harness the power of the river for hydroelectric power production.

The Dalles Dam brought significant changes to the area. It provided a source of hydroelectric power, which was an important source of energy for the region. It also provided irrigation water, which greatly increased the amount of land that could be used for farming. However, the construction of the dam also caused the displacement of the local tribes, who had lived in the area for centuries. The flooding of traditional fishing sites was a significant loss for the tribes, as fishing had been an important source of food and income for them.

Today, The Dalles is a small city with a population of around 16,000 people. It is known for its scenic location in the Columbia River Gorge, its historical sites, and its outdoor recreational opportunities. The city continues to be an important location for agriculture and hydroelectric power production. The Dalles Dam remains an important source of hydroelectric power for the region and continues to be an important tourist attraction.

In conclusion, The Dalles has a rich history that spans thousands of years and has played a significant role in the development of the region. From a transportation hub for native tribes to a center for agriculture, and later hydroelectric power production, The Dalles has been an important location throughout history. The Dalles Dam, along with the other dams built on the Columbia River, changed the region in significant ways and continues to be an important source of energy for the region. Today, The Dalles continues to attract visitors for its scenic location and historical sites, preserving the city’s rich heritage.

Want to know more?  Visit Explore The Dalles.

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