Bend, Oregon
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Bend is a city located in Deschutes County, Oregon, United States. The name Bend was derived from "Farewell Bend," the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town eventually was planted, one of the few fordable points along the river. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 52,029. As of 2005, there are about 70,000 people, and still growing. It is currently one of the fastest growing cities in the United States.
Bend is located on the edge of the Ponderosa pine forest on the west as it transitions into the high desert plateau, characterized by junipers, sagebrush, bitter-brush, and little water. Originally a logging town, Bend has become identified as a jump-off point for multiple outdoor sports; such as fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, skiing, and golf.
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History
Image:DSCN7232 bendtowertheater e 300.jpg
Until the winter of 1824, the Bend area was known only to Native Americans who hunted and fished there. In that year, members of a fur trapping party led by Peter Skene Ogden visited the area. John C. Fremont, Dr. John Strong Newberry and other Army survey parties came next. Then pioneers heading further west went through the area and forded the Deschutes River at Farewell Bend.
Actual settlement did not occur until the early 1900s with the founding of the Pilot Butte Development Company by Alexander M. Drake. A small community developed around the bend in the river and in 1904 a city was incorporated by a general vote of the community's 300 residents. On January 4, 1905 the city held its first official meeting as an incorporated municipality, appointing A. H. Goodwillie as the first mayor. Twelve years later, Deschutes County was formed from the western half of Crook County and Bend was designated as the county seat. In 1929, Bend amended the charter and adopted the manager/council form of government.
The settlement was originally known as Farewell Bend.
Bend, Oregon is home to David Stoliar who was the sole survivor of an attack on the Struma, a ship carrying Jewish refugees from the holocaust. Other notable locals include the poet and American philosopher Joel Wright.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 83.5 km² (32.2 mi²). 82.9 km² (32.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.68% water.
Inside of the city limits is Pilot Butte State Park, an extinct cinder cone. It is reached on Highway 20.
Just south of Bend is Newberry National Volcanic Monument easily reached on U.S 97. Image:ORMap-doton-Bend.pngBend is located at 44°3'23" North, 121°18'29" West (44.056434, -121.308085)Template:GR. Elevation 3,623 feet.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 52,029 people, 21,062 households, and 13,395 families residing in the city. The population density was 627.4/km² (1,624.8/mi²). There were 22,507 housing units at an average density of 271.4/km² (702.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.98% White, 0.28% African American, 0.79% Native American, 1.00% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. 4.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 21,062 households out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $40,857, and the median income for a family was $49,387. Males had a median income of $33,377 versus $25,094 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,624. 10.5% of the population and 6.9% of families were below the poverty line. 13.8% of those under the age of 18 and 5.8% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Bend is central Oregon's most populated city, with a projected population within its city limits of 65,210 in 2005.
Weather
Bend's climate is typical of the high desert with cool nights and sunny days. Annual precipitation averages 10-13 inches, part of which is the average snowfall of 34 inches. The winter season in Bend provides typical daytime temperatures in the 40's to 50's. Nighttime temperatures range anywhere from 22 to 51.
A typical central Oregon summer is marked with daily temperatures in the 80's and 90's during the day, and the mid 40's and 50's during the night. Hard frosts are not unheard of during the summer months. Autumn usually brings warm, dry days and cooler nights, and Bend is known for its annual Indian summer.
Economy
Tourism is one of Bend's largest sectors. Mount Bachelor ski resort brings in tourists from all over Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. The nearby Cascade Lakes are also a large draw for tourists. Recreational activities include downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, rafting, golfing, camping, and fishing to picnicking, rock climbing and general sightseeing.
Bend is also home to the Deschutes Brewery, the largest of several microbreweries in the city. Since 2004, Bend has also hosted a film festival (Bendfilm).
In 2005, Bend's economic profile was comprised of five industry categories: Tourism (7,772 jobs); Healthcare and Social Services (6,062 jobs); Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (1,893 jobs); Wood Products Manufacturing (1,798 jobs); Recreation and Transportation Equipment (1,065 jobs).
Much of Bend's rapid growth in recent years is also due to its attraction as a retirement destination.
The nearest commercial airport is Roberts Field, 18 miles north.
Bend is the only metropolitan area west of the Mississippi without a public bus system. A measure that would create a transit district on the November, 2004 ballot was defeated 53 to 41 percent.
Education
The Bend area is serviced by the Bend/LaPine school district. There are 4 high schools (grades 9-12), 4 middle schools (grades 6-8), 12 elementary schools (grades K-5) and 3 magnet schools. There are several private schools within the area as well. Central Oregon Community College (COCC) along with Oregon State University (OSU) serves the community with both 2 and 4 year programs.
Sports
Bend is home of the Bend Elks of the West Coast Collegiate Baseball League. The Elks play at historic Vince Genna Stadium. Bend is also home of the Central Oregon Hotshots of the International Basketball League.
Television
- KTVZ 21 (NBC)
- KFXO 39 (FOX) - On April 17th 2006 the station launched a local news broadcast.
- Chambers Communications (Eugene, OR) recently purchased a broadcast license for the market, and has annouced plans to produce a local newscast.
Major companies
As of 2005, the top 20 regional employers (EDCO, 2005) were:
- St. Charles Medical Center (2,337 employees)
- Bright Wood Corporation (1,466)
- Les Schwab Tire Center (1,142)
- Sunriver Resort (870, seasonal)
- Mt. Bachelor, Inc (750, seasonal)
- T-Mobile (674)
- Beaver Motor Coaches (654)
- iSKY (625)
- Clear Pine Mouldings, Inc. (597)
- JELD-WEN Windows & Doors (521)
- Eagle Crest Partners, Ltd. (500, seasonal)
- Safeway (490)
- Hap Taylor & Sons (465)
- Bend Memorial Clinic (460)
- The Lancair Company (447)
- Wal-Mart (445)
- Fred Meyer (411)
- Woodgrain Millwork (365)
- Black Butte Ranch (350)
- Kah-Nee-Tah (350, seasonal)
Other companies include:
- American Licorice Company
- Columbia Aircraft
- Deschutes Brewery (140)
- Of The Earth Clothing
- Ruff Wear
- Full Circle Couriers
External links
- City of Bend, Oregon
- The Bend Bulletin
- Bend Weekly News, local newspaper
- Virtual Bend Oregon
- Bend.com and the Bend Bugle
- Welcome to Bend
- Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau
- Bend Chamber of Commerce
- Bend Film Festival
- Bend Community and Profile Trends Report
