BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//sebbo.net//ical-generator//EN NAME:Deschutes Public Library (DPL) X-WR-CALNAME:Deschutes Public Library (DPL) BEGIN:VEVENT UID:2fcebd78-0bf1-429d-86e3-3a37a0fdc57d SEQUENCE:0 DTSTAMP:20260722T214136Z DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250117T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250117T113000 SUMMARY:Rails Across the High Desert: The Epic Race to Central OR LOCATION:Downtown Bend Library\nDowntown Bend Library X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Downtown Bend Library;X-AP PLE-RADIUS=10;X-TITLE=Downtown Bend Library:geo:44.0572068,-121.3165935 GEO:44.0572068;-121.3165935 DESCRIPTION:Local historian Jim Carroll explores the complexities of early Central Oregon railroads..\nhttps://dpl.libnet.info/event/11608104 X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Use this link \;to view presentation.

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During this presentatio n local historian Jim Carroll explores the complexities surrounding the co nstruction of two railroads and the competition to reach Central Oregon. C entral Oregon lacked railroad service until 1911\, relying on horse-drawn wagons from Shaniko\, Wasco County\, situated 80 miles away. The region sa w the final railway showdown between rival railroad magnates\, James Hill and Edward Harriman. The two major Northwest railroads\, the Great Norther n and the Union Pacific\, battled their way up both sides of the Deschutes River from the Columbia River\, aiming to tap into Central Oregon&rsquo\; s bustling trade in timber\, wool\, livestock\, and agricultural supplies. Completing the 100-mile stretch in under two years was a remarkable feat\ , perhaps impossible to replicate today. \;

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Jim Carroll reloca ted to Central Oregon in 1977 following college\, initially entering the w ood industry before transitioning to agriculture\, where he served as an a gronomist for four decades. Throughout his career\, Jim maintained an inte rest in history\, particularly local history. He played a pivotal role as president of the Jefferson County Museum and was instrumental in merging t he museum group with the Jefferson County Historical Society to form one o rganization. Later he served as president of the Jefferson County Historic al Society and continues to contribute as a board member.

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The Oshe r Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon (OLLI-UO) in Cen tral Oregon invites community members to participate in our Friday Talks i n partnership with the Deschutes Public Library. OLLI-UO is an intellectua l and social community of engaged adult learners\, connecting members to u niversity faculty and professionals in respective fields. A six-month or y earlong membership allows participation in a variety of lectures\, courses \, peer-led study and discussion groups\, educational tours\, field trips\ , and social events.

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Questions? Contact lizg@deschuteslibrary.org \;

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