Cove, Oregon History, Economy and Politics

Cove, Oregon is a small town located in Union County in the northeastern part of the state. The town is situated along the Grande Ronde River and is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills. This area was historically populated by Native American tribes such as the Walla Walla, Umatilla, and Nez Perce. Visit Localbusinessexplorer to learn about Baker County, Oregon.

The town of Cove lies at an elevation of approximately 1,700 feet and has a total area of 0.4 square miles. It is nestled in a valley between two mountain ranges, the Elkhorn Mountains to the west and the Blue Mountains to the east.

The climate in Cove is mild with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature during summer months ranges from 70-90°F while winter temperatures average around 30-45°F. Rainfall averages around 25 inches per year while snowfall averages around 20 inches per year.

The terrain surrounding Cove is mostly mountainous with dense forests covering much of it. The valley itself consists mostly of grasslands with small patches of farmland scattered throughout it. There are also several creeks that flow through the area providing additional water sources for local wildlife and vegetation growth.

Overall, Cove provides a beautiful and tranquil setting for those looking to escape from their everyday lives while still having access to all modern amenities they need to live comfortably. With its lush forests, rolling hills, creeks, and mild climate it’s no wonder that this small town has become a popular destination for tourists as well as locals alike who want to take advantage of all that nature has to offer them here in beautiful Cove, Oregon!

History of Cove, Oregon

Cove, Oregon was founded in 1876 by a man named William Cove. He was a rancher and saw the potential of the area as a great place to raise cattle. The first settlers in the area were mostly farmers and ranchers who were attracted to the fertile soil, plentiful water sources, and mild climate.

In 1877, a post office was established in Cove which put it on the map as an official town. At this time, there were only about 30 people living in Cove and it wasn’t until 1885 that other businesses began to move into the area. These included a general store, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and several churches.

In 1893, electricity first came to Cove when local entrepreneur Harry Blythe opened up his Electric Light Company which provided power to residents of Cove for many years. As more people moved into the area during this time period, businesses such as sawmills began popping up around town providing employment opportunities for many of its citizens.

By 1910, Cove had grown significantly with its population reaching nearly 500 people. This growth was largely due to increased logging operations in the region which provided employment for many of its citizens.

The 20th century brought more changes to Cove with increased tourism due to its proximity to several National Forests including Umatilla National Forest and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest which both border the town on either side. This influx of visitors also helped boost local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and stores leading to further economic growth throughout the years.

Today Cove continues to be a thriving community with its population hovering around 1,200 people while still maintaining much of its original charm from days gone by. Residents enjoy participating in both state and local politics as well as national elections when applicable while still preserving its unique identity within Oregon’s political landscape.

Economy of Cove, Oregon

The economy of Cove, Oregon is largely driven by the tourism industry due to its close proximity to several National Forests. Tourists flock to Cove for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. This influx of visitors helps support local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and stores which all contribute to the town’s economy.

In addition to tourism, logging operations are another major contributor to the economy of Cove. Logging began in the area in the late 19th century with several sawmills popping up around town providing employment opportunities for many of its citizens. Today logging continues to be a major employer in Cove with timber harvesting companies operating throughout the region.

Agriculture is also an important part of Cove’s economic landscape with many local farmers growing crops such as hay and wheat for sale at nearby markets. Additionally, there are several cattle ranches scattered throughout the area that were started back when William Cove first founded the town in 1876.

Cove also has a vibrant arts scene with a theater company that puts on regular productions throughout the year as well as several art galleries showcasing works from local artists. There are also many festivals held annually including one celebrating Oregon’s state flower –the Oregon Grape– which draws thousands of visitors from around the state each year.

Overall, Cove has managed to maintain a healthy economic environment over the years through its mix of industries including tourism, logging operations, agriculture and arts & culture making it an attractive place for both business owners and residents alike who are looking for a unique place to call home.

Politics in Cove, Oregon

Cove, Oregon is located within the historically conservative-leaning state of Oregon and has been a staunch supporter of the Republican Party for many years. The town’s political environment is largely shaped by its rural roots and its close proximity to nearby National Forests which attract visitors from around the country.

The town’s mayor is elected every four years, as well as a city council made up of five members who are elected to staggered two-year terms. During election seasons, Cove residents can be found debating politics in local coffee shops and restaurants, discussing issues such as taxes, gun control and other hot button topics.

At the federal level, Cove has been represented by Republican Congressman Greg Walden since 1999. Walden has been a strong advocate for local issues such as logging operations and public land management while also supporting legislation that would benefit small towns like Cove.

On the state level, Cove is represented by Republican State Senator Cliff Bentz who was first elected in 2016. Bentz has been a vocal advocate for rural communities throughout his tenure in office and has worked hard to ensure that their voices are heard on important issues such as education funding, utility costs and transportation infrastructure improvements.

Overall, Cove’s political landscape is largely dominated by Republicans but it still maintains a unique identity within Oregon’s political landscape with many citizens proudly identifying themselves as independent voters who are willing to cross party lines when necessary.