LA GRANDE — La Grande has always been recognized as a town rich in history and architectural charm.

Founded in the early 1860s, the town quickly became a hub for settlers traveling along the Oregon Trail. La Grande grew rapidly during the late 1860s and early 1870s, partially because of the region’s many gold mines and the valley’s agricultural capabilities.

The early business establishments centered on C Avenue between present-day Fourth Street and the hillside on the west end. With the arrival of the railroad in 1884, the settlement began to shift downtown adjacent to the rail yards. By the late 19th century, homes were being built west of downtown, and through the 1920s, the residential area moved up the valley’s slopes.

La Grande boasts a variety of eclectic historic homes that reflect its vibrant past. These homes, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offer a window into the architectural styles and cultural heritage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

A delightful blend of these styles is showcased on the La Grande Historic Homes Urban Walking Tour, a self-guided miniature excursion curated by the Union County Chamber of Commerce in pamphlet form with a map and descriptions.

A predominant style noted in the tour is Queen Anne, which is characterized by ornate details, asymmetry, and decorative elements like turrets, bay windows, and intricate woodwork. The John Anthony House is a stellar example of this style.

Colonial revival, influenced by early American architecture, emphasizes symmetry, gabled roofs and columns. There are also a number of Craftsman bungalows, noted for their simplicity, exposed rafters, and emphasis on craftsmanship.

Highlights

While all 31 homes on the La Grande Historic Homes Walking Tour are worth your consideration and appreciation, there are a few standouts that deserve to be especially noted that are outstanding examples of their different styles and historical relevance to La Grande.

On the corner of Washington Avenue and Walnut Street is an example of styles from the 1920s. Designed by local architect Charles Miller in 1926, active from 1919 to 1940, this is a fine exemplar of the combination of influences. It has a gambrel roof typical of Dutch Colonial houses but, as was the fashion, incorporates several styles. Miller described it as a “Norman farmhouse.”

The other two homes close by on Washington are also representative of the more popular styles of the period — one a lovely arts and crafts movement home, with its emphasis on superb craftmanship and natural materials. Its neighbor on the next block is representative of the Mediterranean style evocative of southern France.

Another Charles Miller gem is Stange Manor, located on Walnut Street, built in 1924 for August Stange, the local lumber baron. This is another style combo, a hallmark of Miller’s designs, featuring a late Colonial Revival House combining Georgian and Federalist elements. This 7,800-square-foot has exquisite Palladian windows, a fountain made from imported Italian tiles in the main floor sunroom, and even a ballroom.

Going slightly more afield on Sixth Street, there are two houses belonging to Swiss-born baker and confectioner, John Anthony. The first is a stunning Eastlake home of one story built in 1890. There is the symmetry and detailing characteristic of Italianate influence. Next is a 1½-story Queen Anne cottage, built in 1902, that has both Eastlake and Stick elements. Both houses are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Also on Sixth Street, Rosewood Cottage is the studio/gallery of a local potter. This charming late Colonial has been lovingly restored and has a garden that adds to its fairy-tale atmosphere.

There are more homes on the tour featuring witch’s hat turrets, cupolas, iron-wrought gates, stone steps, gardens straight out of Lewis Carroll and so much more.

The historic homes of La Grande are more than just beautiful structures — they are a testament to the town’s rich history and enduring charm. As you stroll through the streets of La Grande, you’ll find yourself transported back in time, surrounded by the stories and craftsmanship of a bygone era.

More information

The tour is approximately 2 miles of leisurely walking and takes about two hours. There are paved sidewalks along most of the tour but, on part of the route, the yards go down to the street. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring water when it is hot. Be aware that there are no restrooms available so, as mothers everywhere would say, “go before you go.”

To take the tour, drop by the Union County Chamber of Commerce, 207 Depot St., and pick up the walking guide and map. A digital copy is available at visitunioncounty.org/digital-brochure.

For more information, call the chamber at 541-963-8588 or email info@visitunioncounty.org.

La Grande Historic Homes Walking Tour

Take a self-guided tour of La Grande’s historic homes, about 30 in all. To find a walking guide and map, stop by the Union County Chamber of Commerce, 207 Depot St.

A digital copy of the guide is available at visitunioncounty.org. Under the Resources tab, click on Digital Brochures.