Andrews, Oregon

Andrews, Oregon
Ghost town
Andrews community school in 2007
Andrews community school in 2007
Andrews is located in Oregon
Andrews
Andrews
Andrews is located in the United States
Andrews
Andrews
Coordinates: 42°27′51″N 118°36′48″W / 42.46417°N 118.61333°W / 42.46417; -118.61333
CountryUnited States
StateOregon
CountyHarney
Elevation
4,157 ft (1,267 m)
Population
 (1996)
 • Total
0
Time zonePacific

Andrews is a ghost town in Harney County, Oregon, United States.[1] It is located south of Steens Mountain and near the Alvord Desert.

History

The community was named for Peter Andrews, who settled in the area about 1880.[2] A post office was established on Andrews' property in 1890.[2] The post office was moved north a short distance in 1900 and called "Wildhorse" or "Wild Horse".[2] Locals referred to it as "Wild Hog", however, so the postmaster changed the name to honor his friend Andrews.[2]

At its peak the community had about 150 residents. However, the population of Andrews slowly declined until only one house remained. When it burned down in 1996, the community became a ghost town.[2][3]

In 2011, artist John Simpkins moved into the abandoned school at Andrews. He set up residence in the teacher's cottage and turned the schoolhouse into his studio. He spent nearly a decade living and working at the school until 2020 when the property owner ordered him to vacate the buildings.[4][5]

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Andrews has a semi-arid climate, abbreviated "BSk" on climate maps.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Andrews, Oregon". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior.
  2. ^ a b c d e McArthur, Lewis A.; McArthur, Lewis L. (2003) [1928]. Oregon Geographic Names (7th ed.). Portland, Oregon: Oregon Historical Society Press. p. 24. ISBN 978-0875952772.
  3. ^ Wallace, Kelsey, "Painter John Simpkins Creates Beauty From Solitude", Oregon Public Broadcasting, Portland, Oregon, 30 June 2017.
  4. ^ Bird, Anna. Painting Big in the Playa, 1859 (magazine), Statehood Media, Bend, Oregon, 1 July 2016.
  5. ^ McCurdy, Christen, This Artist Is the Sole Resident of an Oregon Ghost Town. He’s Just Been Told to Leave, Portland Monthly, Portland, Oregon, 18 December 2020.
  6. ^ Climate Summary for Andrews, Oregon



Stub icon

This Harney County, Oregon state location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Stub icon

This United States ghost town-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.