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Fossil Oregon

Fossil is located in Wheeler County (of which is the county seat), northeast of Bend, between Spray and Condon along Hwy 218, at the junction of Hwy 19.

This community was named by Thomas B. Hoover, who discovered fossil remains on his ranch. Paleontologist Thomas Condon also discovered the remains of a saber-toothed tiger near here. The town was incorporated in 1891, with Mr. Hoover as mayor, and W. W. Steiwer, B. Kelsay, P. Potterton, and C. W. Halsey as councilmen. In 1889, the Fossil Water Company was formed. With the sale of $15,000 worth of bonds, in 1900 the gravity system of water-which is still in operation today-was installed.

Popular attractions in the area include: Fossil Museum & Pine Creek Schoolhouse, Asher Car Museum, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Pederson’s Museum, High School Fossil Beds, Pine Creek School House and Murder Mystery Weekend.

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