Sherman County, Oregon
Encyclopedia
Sherman County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Oregon
. The county is named
for William Tecumseh Sherman
, a Union
general in the American Civil War
. In 2010, its population was 1,765. The seat
of the county is Moro
. The largest city is Wasco
.
, the largest project of its kind in Oregon.
, the county has a total area of 831 square miles (2,152.3 km²), of which 823 square miles (2,131.6 km²) is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) (0.96%) is water.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 1,934 people, 797 households, and 545 families residing in the county. The population density
was 2 people per square mile (1/km²). There were 935 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile (0/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.59% White
, 0.21% Black
or African American
, 1.40% Native American
, 0.47% Asian
, 2.79% from other races
, and 1.55% from two or more races. 4.86% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 20.5% were of German, 17.3% American
, 11.7% English
, 8.7% Irish
and 5.3% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 797 households out of which 29.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples
living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 28.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.40% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,142, and the median income for a family was $42,563. Males had a median income of $31,207 versus $21,579 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,448. About 12.30% of families and 14.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.
. The county's borders have been changed only once, in 1891, when the Legislative Assembly
moved the county line 18 miles (29 km) farther south into Wasco County.
The town of Wasco
was designated the county seat by the Legislative Assembly although this designation was contested between Wasco and Moro
. Following the addition of a portion of Wasco County, Moro became the eventual winner.
, Hood River
, and Wasco
counties.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
. The county is named
Oregon Geographic Names
Oregon Geographic Names is an authoritative compilation of the origin and meaning of place names in the U.S. state of Oregon. , the book is in its seventh edition and is compiled and edited by Lewis L. McArthur, who took over from his father, Lewis A. McArthur, as of the fourth edition...
for William Tecumseh Sherman
William Tecumseh Sherman
William Tecumseh Sherman was an American soldier, businessman, educator and author. He served as a General in the Union Army during the American Civil War , for which he received recognition for his outstanding command of military strategy as well as criticism for the harshness of the "scorched...
, a Union
Union Army
The Union Army was the land force that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. It was also known as the Federal Army, the U.S. Army, the Northern Army and the National Army...
general in the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. In 2010, its population was 1,765. The seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of the county is Moro
Moro, Oregon
Moro is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 337 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Sherman County...
. The largest city is Wasco
Wasco, Oregon
Wasco is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 381 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.-Demographics:...
.
Economy
Sherman County is predominantly an agricultural county, its economy receiving some aid from ranching and tourism. Its farms primarily produce wheat and barley. It is also home to the Biglow Canyon Wind FarmBiglow Canyon Wind Farm
Biglow Canyon Wind Farm is an electricity generating wind farm facility in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. It is owned by Portland, Oregon, based Portland General Electric and began operations in 2007. With the completion of phase 3 of the project it has a generating capacity of 450 megawatts...
, the largest project of its kind in Oregon.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 831 square miles (2,152.3 km²), of which 823 square miles (2,131.6 km²) is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) (0.96%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Wasco County, OregonWasco County, OregonWasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. The county is named for a local tribe of Native Americans, the Wasco, a Chinook tribe who lived on the south side of the Columbia River. In 2010, its population was 25,213...
- west, south - Gilliam County, OregonGilliam County, Oregon-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,915 people, 819 households, and 543 families residing in the county. The population density was 2 people per square mile . There were 1,043 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile...
- east - Klickitat County, Washington - north
Demographics
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 1,934 people, 797 households, and 545 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2 people per square mile (1/km²). There were 935 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile (0/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.59% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.21% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.40% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.47% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 2.79% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.55% from two or more races. 4.86% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 20.5% were of German, 17.3% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 11.7% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
, 8.7% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 5.3% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 797 households out of which 29.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 28.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out with 26.40% under the age of 18, 5.80% from 18 to 24, 23.40% from 25 to 44, 26.10% from 45 to 64, and 18.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,142, and the median income for a family was $42,563. Males had a median income of $31,207 versus $21,579 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $17,448. About 12.30% of families and 14.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.20% of those under age 18 and 7.70% of those age 65 or over.
History
Sherman County was created on February 25, 1889 out of the northeast corner of Wasco CountyWasco County, Oregon
Wasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. The county is named for a local tribe of Native Americans, the Wasco, a Chinook tribe who lived on the south side of the Columbia River. In 2010, its population was 25,213...
. The county's borders have been changed only once, in 1891, when the Legislative Assembly
Oregon Legislative Assembly
The Oregon Legislative Assembly is the state legislature for the U.S. state of Oregon. The Legislative Assembly is bicameral, consisting of an upper and lower house: the Senate, whose 30 members are elected to serve four-year terms; and the House of Representatives, with 60 members elected to...
moved the county line 18 miles (29 km) farther south into Wasco County.
The town of Wasco
Wasco, Oregon
Wasco is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 381 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.-Demographics:...
was designated the county seat by the Legislative Assembly although this designation was contested between Wasco and Moro
Moro, Oregon
Moro is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 337 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Sherman County...
. Following the addition of a portion of Wasco County, Moro became the eventual winner.
Government and infrastructure
The Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility (Norcor), a short-term jail, serves Sherman, GilliamGilliam County, Oregon
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 1,915 people, 819 households, and 543 families residing in the county. The population density was 2 people per square mile . There were 1,043 housing units at an average density of 1 per square mile...
, Hood River
Hood River County, Oregon
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 20,411 people, 7,248 households, and 5,175 families residing in the county. The population density was 39 people per square mile . There were 7,818 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile...
, and Wasco
Wasco County, Oregon
Wasco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. The county is named for a local tribe of Native Americans, the Wasco, a Chinook tribe who lived on the south side of the Columbia River. In 2010, its population was 25,213...
counties.
Incorporated cities
- Grass ValleyGrass Valley, OregonGrass Valley is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 171 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.-Demographics:...
- MoroMoro, OregonMoro is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 337 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Sherman County...
- RufusRufus, OregonRufus is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 268 at the 2000 census. The city was named for an early settler, Rufus Carrol Wallis.-Geography:...
- WascoWasco, OregonWasco is a city in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. The population was 381 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.-Demographics:...
Unincorporated communities and CDPs
|
Kent, Oregon Kent is an unincorporated community in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. Although it is unincorporated, Kent has a post office with a ZIP code of 97033. Kent lies at the intersection of U.S. Route 97 and Dobie Point Road.-References:... Klondike, Oregon Klondike is an unincorporated community in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. It is near the Wasco, Oregon site of the Klondike III Wind Project, Oregon's largest wind energy farm with 176 turbines for wind energy.... Locust Grove, Oregon Locust Grove is an unincorporated community in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. It is located on Oregon Route 206.... McDonald, Oregon McDonald is an unincorporated community in Sherman County, Oregon, United States. Its post office was established on the John Day River on March 15, 1904 and closed on October 14, 1922. The first postmaster was William G. McDonald.... |
Monkland, Oregon Monkland is an unincorporated community in Sherman County, Oregon, United States, on Monkland Lane between Sherman Highway 97 and Wasco-Heppner Highway 206. Its post office opened in 1886 and closed in 1919 now served by the Moro, Oregon 97039 post office.... |
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Sherman County, OregonNational Register of Historic Places listings in Sherman County, OregonThe following list presents the full set of National Register of Historic Places listings in Sherman County, Oregon, and offers brief descriptive information about each of them. The National Register of Historic Places recognizes buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts of national,...