Madras, Oregon: A Tale of Two Names and a Stolen County Seat

Tucked away in the high desert of Central Oregon, the small city of Madras holds a history as unique as its name. Let's dive into the origins of this quirky town, exploring its name, its railroad roots, and even a bit of county seat drama.

From "The Basin" to Madras: A Naming Debate

The area now known as Madras was originally called "The Basin," thanks to its location in a circular valley. The town's first official name was "Palmain," after its founder John Palmehn. However, the U.S. Postal Service rejected this name due to its similarity to another post office.

Then came "Madras." The exact reason for this choice remains a bit of a mystery. Some believe it was named after the city of Madras (now Chennai) in India, while others suggest it was inspired by the colorful Madras cloth that originated in that city. Either way, the name stuck, and Madras was officially incorporated in 1911.

The Railroad's Role in Madras' Growth

The arrival of the railroad in 1911 was a pivotal moment for Madras. The Oregon Trunk Railroad and the Deschutes Railroad Company both laid tracks through the town, transforming it into a bustling center for shipping agricultural products and lumber. This economic boost led to rapid growth, with businesses and homes springing up around the new train depot.

County Seat Shenanigans

Perhaps the most intriguing chapter in Madras' history involves a bit of county seat rivalry. When Jefferson County was formed in 1914, Culver was initially chosen as the county seat. However, a countywide vote in 1916 moved the seat to Madras. In a bold (and some might say illegal) move, Madras residents snuck into Culver under cover of night and "stole" the county records, bringing them back to their newly appointed county seat. This event is still a source of local lore and friendly rivalry between the two towns.

Madras Today: A High Desert Hub

Today, Madras serves as the county seat of Jefferson County and continues to be an important agricultural center. The town is also known for its proximity to outdoor recreation areas like Lake Billy Chinook and the Crooked River National Grassland. Madras even gained some notoriety as the site of the Solar Eclipse festival in 2017, attracting thousands of visitors.

A Quirky Past, a Bright Future

From its curious naming origins to its railroad-fueled growth and county seat escapades, Madras, Oregon, has a history as unique as its high desert landscape. It's a town that embraces its quirky past while looking towards a future filled with opportunity.