Heppner, Oregon

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title: "Heppner, Oregon" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["heppner,-oregon", "county-seats-in-oregon", "cities-in-morrow-county,-oregon", "cities-in-oregon", "pendleton–hermiston-micropolitan-statistical-area", "1887-establishments-in-oregon", "populated-places-established-in-1887"] topic_path: "geography" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heppner,_Oregon" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

Field	Value
official_name	Heppner, Oregon
settlement_type	City
image_skyline	Museum Building (Morrow County, Oregon scenic images) (morD0092).jpg
image_caption	The Agricultural Collection Building of the Morrow County Museum in Heppner
image_seal	Heppner Oregon City Seal.png
nickname	Gateway to the Blues
image_map	Morrow_County_Oregon_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Heppner_Highlighted.svg
mapsize	250px
map_caption	Location in Morrow County and the state of Oregon
coordinates
subdivision_type	Country
subdivision_name	United States
subdivision_type1	State
subdivision_type2	County
subdivision_name1	Oregon
subdivision_name2	Morrow
established_title	Incorporated
established_date	1887
leader_title	Mayor
leader_name	Corey Sweeney
unit_pref	Imperial
area_footnotes
area_total_sq_mi	1.24
area_land_sq_mi	1.23
area_water_sq_mi	0.01
area_total_km2	3.20
area_land_km2	3.19
area_water_km2	0.02
elevation_footnotes
elevation_ft	2011
population_as_of	2020
population_footnotes
population_total	1187
population_density_km2	372.65
population_density_sq_mi	965.04
postal_code_type	ZIP Code
postal_code	97836
area_codes	458 and 541
website
timezone	Pacific
utc_offset	−8
timezone_DST	Pacific
utc_offset_DST	−7
blank_name	FIPS code
blank_info	41-33550
blank1_name	GNIS feature ID
blank1_info	2410745
::

History

Native American settlement

Native Americans lived and traveled along the land between the Columbia Gorge and the Blue Mountains for more than 10,000 years prior to European-American settlement. Ancient petroglyphs have been found approximately 45 miles (72 km.) north of Heppner in Irrigon and Boardman. In 1855, the U.S. Government and the predominant tribes in the region—the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla—signed a treaty whereby the tribes gave up, or ceded, to the United States more than 6.4 million acres in what is now northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington.

European-American settlement

Prior to Heppner's founding in 1872, European-American ranchers used the area as sheep and cattle range as early as 1858. Records suggest these early cattlemen found abundant rye grass along creek bottoms.

Heppner was originally called Standsbury Flats for George W. Standsbury, one of the first European-American settlers in the area. In 1872, Colonel (Col.) Jackson Lee Morrow, a merchant, entered into a partnership with Henry Heppner, a prominent Jewish businessman, and they built a store on the crossing of the present May and Main streets. Soon thereafter, a mail and stagecoach line began operations between Pendleton and The Dalles and passed through Heppner.

Col. Jackson Lee Morrow was later elected to the Oregon legislative assembly and was instrumental in helping to carve out a new county for Heppner from neighboring Umatilla County and a portion of Wasco County. The assembly named the new county in Morrow's honor.

Heppner was designated the temporary county seat at the time the county was created and narrowly defeated nearby Lexington in an election held in 1886 to determine the permanent county seat. Heppner was incorporated in the following year on February 9, 1887.

In 1888, the Oregon Railroad and Navigation Company completed a railroad spur from the Columbia River up the Willow Creek drainage to Heppner.

The Historic Morrow County Courthouse was built in 1902-03 and is one of the oldest continuously used courthouses in Oregon. In 1985, the courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/HeppnerMorrowcourthouse.jpg" caption="Historic Morrow County Courthouse"] ::

Flood of June 1903

Main article: Heppner Flood of 1903

Heppner was almost destroyed by a flash flood on Sunday, June 14, 1903. The flood was precipitated by a sudden cloudburst and accompanying hail that caused a debris dam collapse and flash flooding, notably on Willow Creek. A wall of water and debris swept down the creeks and canyons and through the city. It has been estimated that 238 people (a quarter of the city's population) drowned, making it the deadliest natural disaster in Oregon's history. Property damage was reported at nearly $1 million. The nearby cities of Ione and Lexington also sustained significant damage. In 1983, the Willow Creek Dam at the outskirts of the city was finished.[[File:USACE Willow Creek Dam Oregon.jpg|thumb|Willow Creek Lake and Dam]]

Post-flood recovery

The railroad and a growing network of roads had by the early decades of the 20th century made Heppner a trade center and distribution point for regional farm products including wheat, alfalfa, sheep, cattle, horses, and hogs. Despite the flood and two fires in 1918 that destroyed City Hall, the Palace Hotel, the library, many businesses, and more than 30 homes, the community rebuilt. One of its creations, the Heppner Hotel, opened in 1920 and, housing a variety of businesses over the years, it served as a community gathering place through 1972, when its last restaurant closed. ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Heppner_Hotel_-_Heppner_Oregon.jpg" caption="Old Heppner Hotel"] ::

Later history

In 1940, a major sawmill was built in the town by the Heppner Lumber Company, helping drive the area's economy. The mill was destroyed by fire in 1949, but was rebuilt and sold to Kinzua Lumber Company, which ultimately relocated its headquarters to Heppner. In 1999, the mill closed, dealing a significant blow to Heppner's economy and resulting in the loss of nearly 200 jobs.

Geography

Heppner is in central Morrow County, between the Columbia River 35 mi to the north and the Blue Mountains 15 mi to the southeast. The city is along Oregon Route 74, about 60 mi southwest of Pendleton and 180 mi east of Portland.

Route 74 forms part of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, a 130 mi set of roads connecting Interstate 84 (I-84) along the Columbia River with the North Fork John Day River in the Blue Mountains. Part of the route follows the Willow Creek drainage through Heppner.

Heppner is upstream of Lexington, Ione, and Arlington along Willow Creek. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.24 sqmi, of which 0.01 sqmi, or 0.49%, are water in Willow Creek Reservoir.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Heppner has a warm-summer mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Heppner was 110 F on August 10, 1898, while the coldest temperature recorded was -19 F on January 10, 1909 and January 12, 1909.

|location = Heppner, Oregon, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present |single line = Yes

|source 1 = NOAA |url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00353827&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Heppner, OR |access-date = April 16, 2023 |source 2 = National Weather Service |url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=pdt |publisher = National Weather Service |title = NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Pendleton |access-date = April 16, 2023

Demographics

|1880= 318 |1890= 675 |1900= 1146 |1910= 880 |1920= 1324 |1930= 1190 |1940= 1140 |1950= 1648 |1960= 1661 |1970= 1429 |1980= 1498 |1990= 1412 |2000= 1395 |2010= 1291 |2020= 1187 |footnote=source: | align = right | align-fn = center

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Heppner had a population of 1,187. The median age was 46.0 years. 21.5% of residents were under the age of 18 and 25.5% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.8 males age 18 and over.

There were 533 households in Heppner, of which 22.7% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 44.7% were married-couple households, 22.0% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 26.5% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 608 housing units, of which 12.3% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 65.5% were owner-occupied and 34.5% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 3.6% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.0%.

According to the 2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics profile, 0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.

::data[format=table title="Racial composition as of the 2020 census{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A33550&in=state%3A41|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=January 28, 2026|df=mdy}}"]

Race	Number	Percent
White	1,039	87.5%
Black or African American	3	0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native	10	0.8%
Asian	4	0.3%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander	0	0%
Some other race	36	3.0%
Two or more races	95	8.0%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)	94	7.9%
::

2010 Census

As of the census of 2010, there were 1,291 people, 559 households, and 370 families residing in the city. The population density was 1049.6 PD/sqmi. There were 647 housing units at an average density of 526.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.5% White, 0.2% African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 2.6% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.7% of the population.

There were 559 households, of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.8% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 45.9 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.6% were from 25 to 44; 29.8% were from 45 to 64; and 21.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.6% male and 49.4% female.

2000 Census

As of the census of 2000, there were 1,395 people, 583 households, and 398 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,138.5 PD/sqmi. There were 660 housing units at an average density of 538.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.70% White, 1.00% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 1.51% from other races, and 0.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.58% of the population.

There were 583 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,421, and the median income for a family was $42,500. Males had a median income of $37,381 versus $20,714 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,729. About 11.1% of families and 13.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Annual cultural events

Heppner hosts an annual "A Wee Bit O'Ireland" celebration around Saint Patrick's Day. The city also hosts the annual Blue Mountain Century Bikeway, a scenic bicycle ride loop of approximately 108 miles starting and ending in Heppner.

Economy and education

As of 2002, the five largest employers in Heppner were Morrow County, the Morrow County Health District, the Morrow County School District, the Heppner Ranger District, and the Bank of Eastern Oregon.

Heppner is served by the Morrow School District, which includes Heppner Junior/Senior High School and Heppner Elementary. Heppner is also served by the Heppner Branch of the Oregon Trail Library District, part of Oregon's Sage Library System.

Government

Local

Heppner is a municipal corporation with the official name City of Heppner per the 1996 Heppner Charter. The powers of the city are vested in the city council which consists of a mayor and six council members each nominated and elected from the city at large or, in case of one or more vacancies in the council, the council members whose offices are not vacant. The mayor serves two-year terms and the council members serve four-year terms. Heppner also maintains a city manager who is appointed by, and may be removed by, a majority of the entire city council. The appointment of city manager is made without regard to political considerations and solely on the basis of administrative qualifications. The mayor votes as a council member with no appointive powers.

As of 2023, Corey Sweeney serves as mayor. Council members include Ralph Klock, Ian Murray, Cody High, Dale Bates, Sharon Inskeep, and Adam Doherty. John Doherty serves as the City Manager.

State

Heppner is part of Oregon State House District 57 which includes Gilliam, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, and Wasco counties and of Oregon State Senate District 29 which includes Gilliam, Morrow Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, and parts of Wasco counties. As of September 2017, Representative Greg Smith (R) serves Heppner in the Oregon State House and Senator Bill Hansell (R) serves Heppner in the Oregon State Senate.

Federal

Heppner is part of Oregon's Second Congressional District. As of January 2023, Heppner is represented by U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz (R). Separately, congressional senators for Oregon include Jeff Merkley (D) and Ron Wyden (D).

Notable people

· Only people who already have a Wikipedia article may appear here. This establishes notability. · The biographical article must mention how they are associated with Heppner, whether born, raised, or residing · The fact of their association should have a reliable source cited, unless it is well-known · Alphabetical by last name please · All others will be deleted without further explanation

John Kilkenny, Judge, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Greg Smith, Oregon State Representative, District 57

References

"2024 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Oregon". United States Census Bureau.
"P1. Race – Heppner city, Oregon: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau.
{{GNIS. 2410745
"P1. Race – Heppner city, Oregon: 2010 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau.
"Columbia River Heritage Trail".
"Treaty of 1855". Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla people.
Capace, Nancy. (1999). "Encyclopedia of Oregon". Somerset Publishers.
"Morrow County History".
McArthur, Lewis A.. (2003). "[[Oregon Geographic Names]]". [[Oregon Historical Society]] Press.
"History of Heppner". Heppner Chamber of Commerce.
(October 7, 2015). "Henry Heppner, Early Pioneer Jewish Businessman of Heppner, Oregon". The Western States Jewish History Association.
Hedman, Arnie. (April 23, 1982). ["National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Heppner Hotel"]({{NRHP url). National Park Service.
(July 6, 2011). "Extension in Northeastern Oregon".
Lynch, James E.. (August 17, 1984). ["National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Morrow County Courthouse"]({{NRHP url). National Park Service.
(2009). "Heppner Community Profile". Infrastructure Finance Authority.
"Historic Morrow County Courthouse". Heppner Chamber of Commerce.
(February 28, 1985). "Morrow County Courthouse". National Park Service.
Baker, Jeff. (September 2, 2009). "'Calamity' : Discovering Oregon's Deadliest Natural Disaster". The Oregonian.
(3 June 2023). "CENTRAL OREGON HISTORY: Heppner emerges as the gateway to the Blue Mountains". [[Madras Pioneer]].
(2 November 2016). "HEPPNER Wood-fueled power plant could see new life". East Oregonian.
(3 May 2023). "Morrow County OKs $1 billion deal in tax breaks with Amazon". [[Oregon Public Broadcasting]].
(2013). "The 2013 Road Atlas". Rand McNally.
(2009). "Heppner Community Profile". Oregon Infrastructure Finance Authority.
Ostertag, Rhonda. (2004). "Backroads of Oregon: Your Guide to Oregon's Most Scenic Backroad Adventures". Voyageur Press.
"U.S. Census website". U.S. Census Bureau.
Moffatt, Riley Moore. (1996). "Population History of Western U.S. Cities and Towns, 1850–1990". Scarecrow Press.
"Census Population API". United States Census Bureau.
(2021). "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)".
(2023). "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)".
(2021). "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)".
Malgesini, Tammy. (March 10, 2011). "Leprechauns Plan Wee Bit o' Fun". East Oregonian.
"31st Annual "A Wee Bit O'Ireland"". Heppner Chamber of Commerce.
"Blue Mountain Century Bikeway {{!}} Heppner Chamber of Commerce".
"Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: Scenic Bikeways Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway".
(2012). "Our Schools". Morrow County School District.
"Sterling Codifiers, Inc.".
"City Council".
"Representative Greg Smith".
"Senator Bill Hansell".

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