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Burns Public School
Used with permission of R. Gess-Smith

Burns History

Burns is named for the Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The City of Burns was officially formed January 22, 1884. By this time the town was booming with doctors, stores, a post office, hotels, saloons, and more. George McGowan became the postmaster. A cemetery was started by the burial of Matt Egan who had brewed a gun fight with Jack Miller. This is the same cemetery still in use today. 

The inconvenience trip from Burns to the county seat in Canyon City, two days horseback, prompted the splitting of Grant County and created the County of Harney in 1889. Harney County was named for Major General William S. Harney, who commanded the Department of Oregon of the U.S. Army from 1858-1860. He was instrumental in opening areas of eastern Oregon for settlement. After a fierce political battle, with armed night riders who spirited county records from Harney City, Burns claimed the county seat by a narrow margin of only 6 votes. The first session of the permanent county seat was held July 7, 1890. George W. Young was awarded the contract for building the first courthouse. The frame building cost $6,000.00 and was completed in 1895. In September 1893 the organization of Troop A, Oregon National Guard was perfected in Oregon's newest and largest county. A. W. McGowan was the captain.

The community of Burns began to grow, dances were held, the first church built in 1887, and ball games played. Homesteaders settled the area. A library was started with 50 books. Burns' first newspaper was established in 1884. The first set of twins were born December 1889 - a twelve pound girl and an eight pound boy. Burns has grown from a population of 250 in 1889 to approximately 2950 in 1997.

In 1910 Archie McGowan established the first garage in Burns, the Ford Car Dealership - selling four Model T's that year. It was the beginning of the oldest Ford Dealership in Oregon. The dealership remains in Burns today, at the same location on North Broadway.

Rodeos began in the early 1920's and continue today, drawing many professional cowboys. The fair exhibits were started as Harney Countians began competing with their sewing, handiwork cooking and gardening. The youth keep busy with their 4-H projects. Many enter their projects at the State Fair held in Salem. The Harney County Fair also sports one of the oldest established horse race meets.

Burns has historically been a cattle and timber town. Agriculture remains a primary aspect of our economic base. The economy of Burns and Harney County continues to diversify and grow.

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