Granite, Oregon

Among the many small hamlets one finds in my old neighborhoods of Oregon, was this cute place called Granite. I passed through it a few times, and took this photo of the main entrance to the town. It is a typical gate with country and western motifs, including mules, deer, elk, horses, bears, coyotes and trees. It had a population of 38 in 2010, but presently there are around 32 inhabitants. Back in 1870 there were 448 people living, most of them digging for gold. First established by miners after the discovery of gold along Granite Creek on July 4, 1862, the area was originally called Granite Creek Mines. During the following year, a settlement called Granite City was established about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) downstream of where Granite City is now. It was moved to its current location in 1867 and renamed Independence after the date—July 4, for Independence Day. However, when the community's post office was established in 1878, it could not use the name Independence because that name was already used by another Oregon city. Instead, the name Granite was chosen. The post office closed in 1957, but the city retained the name. Granite was a center for mining activity for more than 80 years. The creek takes its name from the granite rocks that are common to the area. As of 2002, Granite had two employers: The Outback—which sold food, fuel, and supplies—and The Lodge. I remember up to 12 years ago, that people used to flock there on a weekend for a huge Garage Sale, whereby people would bring all kinds of stuff (and junk) and try to sell them. But as they say, ‘one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.’