[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1615]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE CITY OF EAGLE POINT, OREGON

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                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 11, 2011

  Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to mark the 
centennial of the City of Eagle Point, Oregon. Eagle Point was named 
for a prominent rocky cliff east of town that was a popular nesting 
place for eagles.
  Today Eagle Point is known as ``The Gateway to the Lakes'' as it sets 
the scene for tourists and other visitors traveling east to view Crater 
Lake and the majestic natural wonders of the southern Cascade Range.
  During the gold rush days of the 1850s--before it was even considered 
a ``town''--Eagle Point was known for its rich agricultural production 
and became the ``food basket'' to the Rogue Valley. That regional 
importance was solidified in 1872 when the Snowy Butte Mill was built 
along the banks of the nearby Little Butte Creek. The grist mill 
quickly became an economic hub for the area. It is said that wagons 
lined the road to the mill for miles waiting to have their grain ground 
into flour. In addition to local farmers, the mill was important to 
Native Americans, who traveled more than 90 miles over the Old Military 
Trail from Fort Klamath to trade leather and berries for flour.
  It wasn't until the Pacific & Eastern Railroad arrived in the early 
1900s that a commercial district was established in Eagle Point, and as 
a result, the city became incorporated in 1911. As Eagle Point 
blossomed it became the home to three hotels, a livery stable, 
blacksmith shop, a few saloons, and some dance halls known for their 
``rowdy behavior and bootleggers.'' Three of the original brick 
buildings which housed the bank, confectionary store and general store 
still stand and are now home to modern businesses.
  Eagle Point residents have gone to great lengths to preserve their 
history. In 1987, the citizens of Eagle Point relocated a queenpost 
truss covered bridge built in 1922 from Antelope Creek and placed it 
across Little Butte Creek for children to cross as they make their way 
to and from school. In addition to the covered bridge, the Butte Creek 
Mill also serves as a link to the past, and is still in operation 
today. This historic, water-powered grist mill with its original, 130 
year-old, French-quarried buhr stones is listed on the National 
Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist attraction.
  Despite nearly doubling in size over the last decade, modern day 
Eagle Point continues to be a great place to live and raise children 
because of its small town rural charm, excellent schools and beautiful 
surroundings. Along with its rich history and rural setting, Eagle 
Point boasts a world-class Robert Trent Jones II-designed 18-hole golf 
course, which has attracted golfers and new residents alike.
  Many notable celebrities have called Eagle Point home including 
Ginger Rogers, Patrick Duffy, and Kim Novak.
  Mr. Speaker, on February 12, 2011, Eagle Point kicks off its 
Centennial Celebration. I invite my colleagues to join with me in 
wishing ``Happy Birthday'' to a growing, thriving city which serves as 
the ``Gateway to the Lakes'' and a window into southern Oregon's rich 
history.

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