The Basques of Oregon

Abstract

This communication is an extract of a thesis on the communities established in Oregon, presented by its authoress before the South California University History Department. The first Basques arrived in or around 1890.They worked as shepherds in different places, and most of them are now concentrated in the towns of McDermitt, Jordan Valley, Anderson and Fields. The pioneers did not integrate into the American society as they never lost the hope of returning to their country. The second generation, however, worked as mechanics, chauffeurs, hotel employees and merchants. With diverse levels of learning, they easily learn English and their children go to school.