Brief history

Frenchglen was named after Pete French and Dr. Hugh Glenn who was Pete French's father-in-law. The "P" Ranch was established in 1872 as the headquarters for French-Glenn Livestock Co.  Pete French owned 150,000 acres at the base of the Steens Mountain, in what is now known as the Frenchglen Valley.  He was unarmed when allegedly shot and killed by Ed Oliver on December 26, 1897 over a fencing dispute.

Points of interest

Frenchglen Hotel, Steens Mountain Loop Drive, Wild Horses, and the Malheur Wildlife Refuge.  The 25th Annual Chris Miller Memorial Steens Mountain Rim Run takes place the first Saturday of August, which is the 4th of August, 2007 this year.

Crops and soil

Crops grown in the Frenchglen area consist of meadow hay and in the Catlow Valley alfalfa is grown.  The ground is good for gardening due to the run off, and the sandy, rich and fertile soil.  The growing season is from mid- May to mid-September, with an occasional unexpected freeze in mid-July.  Soil is great for gardens (if you can keep the wildlife from eating it!).

Climate

The climate in the winter is mild, seldom below zero.  The summers are mild, not too hot with  temperatures ranging between the high 70's and 80's.   The storms seem to just pass over Frenchglen and the weather is warmer than much of Harney County.

Mileage from Burns

The total highway miles from Burns to Frenchglen is 59 miles.