More Than A Name: The History of Farewell Bend, Oregon

The Story Behind 'Farewell Bend'

As we know it today, Bend, Oregon is renowned for its stunning high-desert landscapes, vibrant outdoor culture, and dynamic arts scene. But before becoming the thriving city we recognize, Bend was a modest, nearly hidden location known as “Farewell Bend,” a crucial landmark along the banks of the Deschutes River, playing a significant role in Bend history with its early development as a logging town in the early 20th century.

Indigenous Heritage of Bend

Long before Bend became a bustling city, the region was home to Indigenous peoples whose lives, history, and culture are deeply intertwined with the land. For thousands of years, tribes such as the Paiute, Warm Springs, and Wasco thrived in Central Oregon, drawing sustenance and spiritual nourishment from the Deschutes River and surrounding landscapes. This land, rich in resources and natural beauty, provided a home for seasonal migration, trade, and cultural gatherings long before European settlers arrived.

The Deschutes River was especially vital, serving as both a food source and a spiritual landmark. Salmon migrating up the river provided sustenance, while the river itself became central to ceremonies, stories, and traditions passed down through generations. The river’s natural bend—later named “Farewell Bend” by settlers—had long been a place of connection for Indigenous communities, a point along seasonal migration routes, and a site for gatherings, trade, and community-building.

In 1855, a treaty was signed that forced Indigenous tribes from Central Oregon to cede large portions of their ancestral lands and relocate to the Warm Springs Reservation. Despite this relocation, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which includes members of the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes, have maintained enduring ties to their traditional lands around Bend. These connections are kept alive through ongoing cultural practices, such as fishing, weaving, storytelling, and ceremonies tied to the land.

Today, the presence of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is felt across the region. The Museum at Warm Springs, just north of Bend, Oregon, preserves and shares the rich cultural heritage of these tribes, educating the public on Indigenous perspectives and histories. Land acknowledgments and public recognition of Indigenous heritage are also becoming more common in Deschutes County, honoring the city’s original inhabitants and their lasting legacy.

The Indigenous history of Bend provides a deeper layer to the area’s identity, revealing that this land has been a source of life, culture, and spiritual meaning for countless generations. As the city of Bend continues to grow, this enduring heritage remains a fundamental part of its story, connecting the past with the present and reminding us of the rich, diverse history that has shaped the land.

If you want to learn more, we'd recommend the Deschutes County Historical Society and Deschutes Historical Museum as great resources. The Deschutes Historical Museum is located in Downtown Bend in one of the many Bend, Oregon historical buildings, the Reid School building.

A Farewell to the Deschutes River

The history of Bend, Oregon, is inseparable from the Deschutes River. In the 19th century, as settlers ventured westward, they followed rivers for both sustenance and direction. With its dependable waters, the Deschutes River was a lifeline for travelers making their way through Central Oregon’s high desert.

In the 1870s, a natural bend in the river became a common campsite for weary travelers, offering shelter, a chance to recover, and preparation for the challenging dry expanse that lay ahead. This area came to be known as “Farewell Bend,” a fitting name as pioneers left the river to journey deeper into Oregon’s rugged landscape.

In 1877, a land claim was filed for the first permanent settlement in Deschutes County, which played   a significant role in the development and cultural heritage of the city of Bend and Central Oregon.

The Agricultural Boom

In 1877, John Y. Todd, a Mexican War veteran from Missouri, arrived in Central Oregon and recognized the area’s potential. He established the Farewell Bend Ranch along the Deschutes River, creating an essential outpost for travelers. Todd’s ranch became a beacon of hospitality and resilience, providing weary pioneers with a place to rest before continuing into the high desert.

Todd’s ranch set the foundation for what would become Bend, attracting settlers and establishing the area as a center for trade and agricultural and ranching operations. However, the high desert’s arid climate presented a challenge, as successful agriculture required a steady water supply. Recognizing this, East Coast developers arrived in the early 1900s to address Bend’s irrigation needs.

Shortly after the turn of the century, East Coast developers formed the first irrigation companies in the Bend area. Developers like Alexander M. Drake saw the need for irrigation to support the community’s growth. Beginning around 1904, they funded an extensive irrigation system, including the Pilot Butte Canal and Central Oregon Canal, transforming the high desert into fertile agricultural land. These projects spurred Bend’s growth, becoming a city in 1905 and solidifying its role as a vital agricultural and commercial hub.

A Farewell to Farewell

As the community grew, it needed an official identity. In 1886, residents applied for a post office under the name “Farewell Bend.” However, the U.S. Post Office Department shortened it to “Bend,” a pivotal moment marking the town’s shift from a pioneer outpost to a small trade center to a recognized community.

With that, the city of Bend was incorporated in 1905, the next half century marking its origins as a trade center and witnessing significant milestones such as the arrival of the Oregon Trunk Line Railroad and the establishment of lumber mills.

A Growing Central Oregon

By 1911, the arrival of the Oregon Trunk Line Railroad further accelerated Bend’s development, paving the way for a booming timber industry. Large Minnesota lumber companies, like Shevlin-Hixon and Brooks-Scanlon, established mills along the river, sparking economic growth.

The railroad and lumber mills played a crucial role in transforming Bend into a bustling trade center. This transformation—from a riverside stop to a bustling center of agriculture, timber, and commerce—was deeply rooted in the spirit of resilience and community first fostered by the early pioneers of Central Oregon.

The Farewell Legacy

The use of "Farewell" has become a meaningful part of Bend’s identity, rooted in the pioneering spirit of travelers who once camped along the Deschutes River. This bend in the river, a natural stopping point, marked the spot where pioneers bid farewell to the waterway that had guided them.

Today, this legacy lives on throughout Bend in landmarks, historic buildings, and local businesses that carry forward the name as a nod to the town’s unique heritage.

Farewell Bend Park – This picturesque riverside park offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and river access, embodying the natural beauty that drew early settlers to the area.

Fairwell Festival – An annual music and arts event that gathers locals and visitors to celebrate Bend’s creativity and vibrant community, paying homage to its pioneering roots.

Farewell Coffee Roasters – A local small-batch roaster known for its high-quality brews.

Farewell Tattoo Parlor - A local tattoo parlor comprising some of the most talented tattoo artists in Bend.

Of course, the team at fare·well has done the same, but with a slight twist that leans into both the Central Oregon history and the definition of what it means to 'fare well'.

We’ve Taken the Name to Heart

At fare·well, we’re inspired by this heritage and the resilience that defines Bend’s history. Just as Farewell Bend was a stopping place for pioneers before they moved onward, we aim to be a trusted guide for our clients, helping them prepare for the next stage in their journey. Our name, fare·well, pays homage to Bend’s history and reflects our commitment to our clients’ success.

For us, “farewell” means more than parting—it’s a wish for our clients to “fare well,” to thrive, prosper, and step confidently into the future. Our mission is to empower community-focused clients to make a meaningful impact, drawing strength from Bend’s legacy of growth and determination.

As we help our clients “fare well,” we honor Bend’s past and will contribute to its future, carrying forward the pioneering spirit that makes Bend a place of connection, resilience, and vision.

References

1. Visit Bend. History and Heritage of Bend, Oregon. Retrieved from Visit Bend‍
2. Western Home Journal. A Historical Look at Bend. Retrieved from Western Home Journal