La Grande Quick Facts
- Originally named "Brownsville," it was forced to change its name due to that name already being used for a city in Linn County. Its current name comes from an early French settler, Charles Dause, who often used the phrase "La Grande" to describe the area's beauty.
- Mount Emily is a recognizable Grande Ronde Valley landmark that towers over the city of La Grande to the north.
- Before the post office was established, William Carter charged 50 cents a letter to carry the mail on horseback from the nearest post office, in Walla Walla, Washington.
