Deschutes Republic

[Retep Molinari 68]

The Deschutes Republic is an independent city-state located in the Pacific Northwest.

Gaining its independence in 1846, the region is a major player in international trade. Based in agriculture, the economy has since grown to include financial services, manufacturing, and green technology. A major emphasis of sustainability, education, and quality urban living has made Deschutes a model for 21st Century urban areas.

The original House of Government in Deschutes City, now obscured by an office tower.

Ecology

The vegetation in the Deschutes area was originally temperate rain forest, consisting of conifers with scattered pockets of maple and alder, and large areas of swampland (even in upland areas, due to poor drainage). The conifers were a typical coastal British Columbia/Washington mix of Douglas fir, Western red cedar and Western Hemlock.

One of the many cascades that populate the landscape, giving the region its name.

Climate

The summer months are typically dry, often resulting in moderate drought conditions, usually in July and August. In contrast, most days during late fall and winter (November–March) are rainy.

The Deschutes area, early in its history

Annual precipitation as measured in Deschutes averages 1,199 millimeters (47.2 in), though this varies dramatically throughout the metropolitan area due to the topography and is considerably higher in the downtown area. In winter, a majority of days receive measurable precipitation. Summer months are drier and sunnier with moderate temperatures, tempered by sea breezes. The daily maximum averages 22 °C (72 °F) in July and August, with highs rarely reaching 30 °C (86 °F). Average yearly snowfall is 48.2 centimeters (19.0 in) but typically does not remain on the ground for long.

Early History

Archaeological records indicate the presence of Aboriginal people in the Vancouver area from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The area is located in the traditional territories of the Squamish, Musquea, and Burrard peoples of the Coast Salish group. The first European to explore the coastline of present-day Point Grey and parts of Burrard Inlet was José María Narváez of Spain, in 1791, although one author contends that Francis Drake may have visited the area in 1579.

The first western settlements in the Deschutes area were made in present-day River's Bend, which is located eastward up the SomenaRiver.First settled by English fur trappers in 1808, Americans were locating there by mid-century.

Growth and Independence

When the Oregon Treaty was signed in 1848, the border between Canada and the United States was settled at the 49th parallel. The small community of Deschutes, primarily populated by Americans, lay just north of this line near Fort Langley.

Territorial claims in the American Northwest

Sensing an opportunity, business owner and land prospector John Deighton negotiated for Deschutes to remain independent. America, seeking to avoid a second war (as the Mexican-American War was ongoing) did not argue, while the British simply did not care. The Fraser Canyon Gold Rush of 1858 jump started the local economy. John Deighton, who had laid claim to the eastern valley began to lease his land to farmers whose food production was vital for the Gold Rushers. The village of River's Bend on the Somena River became the local hub for shipping and commerce.

Over the rest of the 19th century, the region grew as the agricultural output was so great that surplus could be shipped abroad. A rail linked River's bend with the Deschutes Harbor, where what would become the region's largest city and namesake would grow.

Land prospector John Deighton

[packersfan 666]

Interesting start. Great to see custom content right away. Good backstory.

[Retep Molinari 68]

(This CJ has been re-booted! Check out the new-and improved introduction after you're done reading here!)

As discussed in the introduction, Deschutes Republic began as a farming community in the Pacific Northwest. River's Bend, located inland from the Strait of Georgia, became the first town to rise among the farms. The town served as the region's primary trading post, sending agricultural products all over the Pacific Northwest.

A typical farm, surrounded by the great Cascades.

Upon gaining its Independence in 1846, River's Bend became the capital of Deschutes Republic ("Deschutes" meaning "the waterfalls" in French.) The town grew for several years until in the early 1900s larger shipping capacities were needed. From here on out, River's Bend (often called simply "Bend") would send its products via rail to the newly founded Deschutes City, located along the Strait of Georgia. With Deschutes City serving as the capital of the Republic, River's Bend lost much of its importance.

Bend's old train station, now serving modern trains with a connection to the regional monorail.

Bend continued to thrive as a small city of about 70,000 residents for most of the 20th century, holding on to its old role as a shipping hub. It was a significant town, but dearly held onto its status as a quite place. As the rest of the region would begin to grow with great speed, Bend was the holdout.

Quiet Bend.

In 1994, it was decided that Deschutes City could no longer serve as the Republic's capital with its meager facilities. The seat of government would return to Bend. A massive development on the river's western shore was planned, centered around the new House of Government. In the process transition the little city of Bend into a massive metropolis.

The new House of Government.

The plan called for Bend's population to increase by 300,000 over the next decade, and reach 600,00 by 2015.

Bend: Ready for growth?

Thanks for reading, and more to come soon!

[simlink 1,098]

Wow, what a fantastic update! I really like the back story, and those modern buildings look awesome.

[vivapanda 422]

Great that you're here now!

[goodyou 0]

Looks really good `` Thank you to share with you.

[Dumanios 35]

Looks good!

[Retep Molinari 68]

As you read in the previous entry, River's Bend served as the primary urban hub in the Deschutes Republic for much of the 19th century. However, as its economey grew, the nation fount itsxelf needing better shipping facilities.

Deschutes City was founded in 1889 to fulfill this purpose.

Bend's shipping facilities weren't cutting it.

Deschutes City is a densely populate urban center. Dotted with high rises, the city also boasts one of the most livable urban spaces in North America. Bike paths, open spaces, and ample sport fields make Deschutes City feel like a real home to the average family.

A typical residential neighborhood in Deschutes City.

The transportation in Deschutes City is world class. Served locally by buses, subways, and light rail and regionally by heavy rail and monorail, owning a car is hardly needed by anyone.

The downtown area is served by all of these modes of transportation. They all converge at what's know as the Downtown Transit Center. Here, Deschutes Central Station (the 1930s rail station) connects with a monorail stop and the Central Terminal (the gray, rectangular bus and subway hub).

Downtown Transit Center.

A heavy rail station and underground parking facility.

As you will soon learn, education is a core to the economic successes of Deschutes Republic-- it's capital city is no exception. Large schools with generous facilities can be found in every corner of the city.

A typical high school in Deschutes City.

Much, much more to come! Thanks for visiting Deschutes Republic!

[Yuu Caa Sim 55]

Nice history of your country. I also really liked the variety of development in your region (suburbs, farms, skyscrapers, etc.).

Realistically speaking, having level crossings with rail (like in the second to last picture) would cause a lot traffic jams if the line is very active. Deschutes City should consider making either the rail line or the roads elevated so that road and rail don't cross each other. Of course doing so would likely cause that road going out from the roundabout to the tracks to be broken, since there's not enough space to put a transition for the road, and the only viaduct rail stations I can find are all 1x4. So it's just a thought.

[TowerDude 2,186]

This isn't bad at all , keep up the work