Later, on July 10, 1907, the town of Hermiston was incorporated.  Its name inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, “The Weir of Hermiston”. 

           
Under administration of the Bureau of Reclamation, Cold Springs Reservoir was constructed east of Hermiston for storage of Umatilla River water.  Formal opening of the head gate leading to the main canals took place on May 27, 1908.  With this advent, irrigated farming was undertaken on a large scale. 

           
Agriculture was Hermiston’s lone industry until Umatilla Army Depot was constructed immediately prior to World War II.  Late in the 1940’s the community was jolted by the construction of the major ammunition storage depot (Umatilla Chemical Depot) west of town.

Hinkle Terminal for the Union Pacific Railroad was completed in 1951.  When the railroads came to Eastern Oregon, replacing the team freighters, Maxwell Siding was built nearby to allow trains to pass. 

In 1947 the construction of McNary Dam begun.  An exciting time with a large crowd of people attending as the dedication was given by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1952.

Marlette Homes, Inc. began manufacturing mobile dwellings in Hermiston.  Potato growing and livestock raised in the area have brought a number of food processors to the Hermiston area. 

        
From modest beginnings, Hermiston has grown into a modern, progressive city enjoying a wealth of assets in people, land, climate, and potential for further agricultural, industrial expansion and a great place to retire.

           
Hermiston’s located at the intersection on I-84 and I-82 we are a major transportation hub as we are just miles from the Port of Umatilla.