Pendleton, Oregon pulled out all the stops last year in celebrating the town’s 100th annual Round-Up—but its ongoing efforts to save and showcase the local heritage really make this town stand out.
So much so that Pendleton is #1 among True West Magazine’s Top True Western Towns of 2011. The town will be featured, along with nine other runners up, in the January/February 2011 issue, on newsstands on January 4, 2011.
When talking about Pendleton, one obviously has to mention the famed 1909 woolen mill, which still produces the Indian-inspired blankets (and is a place well worth a visit). But beyond that, much of downtown is included in the South Main Street historic district (visitors can take walking or driving tours of the area). Tourists also flock to Underground Pendleton, where Chinese laborers built more than 70 miles of tunnels (and shops) connecting buildings between the 1870s and 1930s.
Preservation is ongoing. Since 2003, Pendleton and buildings owners have put some $3.9 million toward renovation and restoration projects.
“Pendleton really stands tall,” says True West Executive Editor Bob Boze Bell. “The cowboy lifestyle and the traditions of the rodeo are truly authentic. And everyone in the town really seems to hang tough when it comes to their heritage. We liked that attitude very much.”
True West editors determine winners for this annual award based on criteria demonstrating how each town has preserved its history through old buildings, museums and other institutions, events and promotions of historic resources.
The feature includes “Towns to Watch” for good works in historic preservation, as well as several legendary Old West locales that folks should visit in 2011.
True West magazine is in its 58th year of leading the way in presenting the true stories of Old West adventure, history, culture and preservation. For subscriptions and more information, visit twmag.com or call 888-687-1881.
Leslie Carnes, Executive Director of the Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, said, “The nomination I sent in contained 16 pages of materials backed up with photographs about Pendleton’s efforts to keep our western history and traditions alive. With all the projects accomplished in 2010, I just knew this would be our year!” She continued, “Everyone in town works hard to retain our rich traditions and the fine craftsmanship which has led to Pendleton’s legendary reputation. We’re very proud of our community and extremely pleased with the recognition!”
Yolanda Lennon Tourism Promotion Director for Travel Pendleton stated, “Being named THE TOP TRUE WESTERN TOWN BY TRUE WEST MAGAZINE allows us to highlight our western roots which have been attracting new businesses including the restoring of Hamley’s and the new Hamley’s Steakhouse, Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s and Montana Peaks Hat Company. Along with new business great new events have grown in the past five years including The Pendleton Cattle Barons Weekend in May, The Christmas Carriage Parade in December and the US National Championships of Cowboy Fast Draw coming to Pendleton in September 2011. We expect the number of visitors to Pendleton will increase because of this honor and as our reputation continues to grow.”
Pendleton. Rich tradition. Fine craftsmanship. Legendary reputation.
