"Gateway to Oregon"
Driving Directions From Boise, Idaho: Travel west on Interstate 84. Take the Notus/Parma exit to Highway 20/26. Follow Highway 20/26 signs to Nyssa. From LaGrande and Baker City, Oregon: Travel east on Interstate 84. Take the Parma exit to Highway 95. Turn right and continue south seven miles. Turn right at Anderson Corner Market and Gas Station. Proceed two miles to Nyssa.
Born from a colorful history of the Old West tradition, Nyssa, incorporated in 1903, is a solid fixture in Eastern Oregon, an area often referred to as the "Treasure Valley." The development of Nyssa is tied to the development of agriculture and agricultural processing. The area is one of the richest farming spots in the nation. Sugarbeets, onions, potatoes, wheat, corn, mint and seed are just some of the many crops which prosper because of the rich soils, sophisticated irrigation systems and the modern technology employed by local farmers. Twenty percent of the nation's onions are grown in the valley. Many are shipped from Nyssa packing sheds to customers worldwide. The prosperity of the onion industry has brought about extraordinary growth in the number of onion sheds in the area. The city boasts a library containing 20,000 volumes which is supported by the city and serves residents as well as readers in the rural area. Churches of practically all major denominations and faiths are located in Nyssa. A modern senior citizens center is utilized by an active seniors group. The health needs of the area are served by two general practice clinics and two dentists. Nyssa School District provides educational programs and services to more than 1,100 students of Nyssa and the surrounding area. The district's auditorium is one of the finest in the western Treasure Valley. Treasure Valley Community College, the main campus of which is 12 miles away, has established a Nyssa Outreach Center, where academic, occupational and community education courses are available.
Many Oregon Trail emigrants entered present-day Oregon at the Snake River Crossing site just a few miles south of Nyssa. Old Fort Boise, which was situated on the eastern bank of the river, was a stop-over point for the early pioneers and became an important fording spot. An Oregon Trail kiosk, situated on Highway 201 south of Nyssa, marks the location of the Oregon Trail as it made its way up the west bank of the Snake River from Fort Boise. Oregon Trail wagon ruts are visible today along Lytle Boulevard west of Nyssa. Early travelers taking the "South Route" (those who had crossed the Snake River before Fort Boise and followed the south side of the river) met up with the main trail in this general area. An Interpretive site is located on Lytle Boulevard near Keeney Pass.
Agricultural Museum: Nyssa's Agricultural Museum features several restored sheep wagons and old farming equipment used around the area. Living history demonstrations, food booths, entertainment and covered wagon rides are planned to coincide with town events. A historic walking tour features an early 1900s hotel, authentic saloon and blacksmith shop. Site of the Snake River Crossing: Many Oregon Trail emigrants entered present-day Oregon at the Snake River Crossing site just a few miles south of Nyssa. Old Fort Boise, which was situated on the eastern bank of the river, was a stop-over point for the early pioneers and became an important fording spot. Oregon Trail Kiosk: Situated on Hwy. 201 south of Nyssa, the kiosk marks the location of the Oregon Trail as it made its way up the west bank of the Snake River from Fort Boise and into Oregon. Lytle Boulevard Ruts: Oregon Trail wagon ruts are visible today along Lytle Boulevard Early travelers taking the "South Route" (those who had crossed the Snake River before Fort Boise and followed the south side of the river) met up with the main trail in this general area. An interpretive site is located on Lytle Boulevard near Keeney Pass. Agricultural Tour: While driving the highways and roads around Nyssa, notice the crop signs identifying the fields planted.
Brown's Buffalo Ranch: 720 Stephens Boulevard (just off Fairview) Visitors are welcome to view American bison as they roam about this modern ranch. Brown's offers various cuts of meat and sausage. Gift packs and other items are also available. Oregon Trail "South Route": Travel to Adrian, on Hwy. 201 where the southern route of the Oregon Trail entered Oregon. Owyhee Dam: 35 miles south of Nyssa, view the Owyhee Dam with its "Glory Hole." Lake Owyhee: The state's largest lake, stretches 52 miles behind the dam. Recreational facilities for boating, fishing, camping etc. are available at the State Park and resort. Leslie Gulch: 78 miles south of Nyssa, offers spectacular rock formations and great opportunities to view many species of wildlife including big horn sheep. "Shutter bugs" should bring plenty of film. Succor Creek: 73 miles south of Nyssa with State Park, rockhounding and scenery. Oregon Trail: Vale. Continue along the Oregon Trail on Lytle Boulevard to Vale. Stop to visit the Henderson Grave, Stone House, Meeker Marker and other sites. Nyssa: Thunderegg Capitol of the World. Rock hounds gather at Nyssa every July for the Chamber’s annual Thunderegg Days. Check our calendar for upcoming event dates.
Thundereggs are agate-filled nodules found in various parts of the Western United States. They range in size from about one-quarter inch to as big as 5 feet in diameter; generally, however, they are the size of oranges. All are similar on the exterior, but no two are alike in pattern, design or color on the inside. The most colorful and beautiful of thundereggs come from a small area in Jefferson County in Central Oregon. In numerous other localities, they do not show such brilliant colors and such gem quality. In spite of their superior general quality, only one in an average of 20 cut make outstanding specimens. These show vivid scenes of land and sea fantasies which, besides the bright hues, reveal the appearance of depth and dimension of distance. Cut and polished thundereggs are beautiful to behold. They are indeed one of the marvels of nature and are sought after and highly prized the world over. According to legend, thundereggs were so named by Indians of Central Oregon. The natives of this region are said to have believed these strange, agate-filled stones were missiles thrown by angry, fighting "Thunder Spirits" or "Gods" who dwelt on Mount Jefferson and nearby Mount Hood, two of several snow-capped peaks high in the Cascade Range. The Indians thought when thunderstorms occurred that these rival, jealous gods hurled large numbers of the round-shaped rocks at each other in furious anger. Thus, according to Indian legend, thundereggs were thus scattered over the high plateaus of Central Oregon. The unique, agate-filled mud balls are found in layers of rhyolite lava flows which spread over the land an estimated 60 million years ago. This was long before man appeared on Earth and thousands of centuries before the Cascade Range of mountains were formed and pushed upward, due to tremendous stresses beneath the surface of the globe on which we dwell. Geologists reason that the round-shaped thundereggs were formed in gas pockets, serving as molds, left in the lava flows of the Eocene Geological Age. They say further that over long periods of time, the gas cavities or cooled bubbles were gradually filled by water action, percolating through the porous rock formations. Water (hot or cold) oozing into the cavities, carrying rich quantities of silica (quartz) in solution, lined, and in many cases, filled the cavity molds, first with the darker matrix material, then the inner core of agate or chalcedony. The beautiful and varying colors were derived from nearby minerals present. The very same processes are still, no doubt, going on at a much slower rate than during the times of volcanic action, with huge clouds and deposits of volcanic ash rich in silica (quartz). It is fairly well agreed among geologists that the materials used by nature in forming these exquisite agate-filled thundereggs came from the surrounding rhyolite lava rock in which they were formed. The matrix and the agate centers were made and composed by water carrying silica and minerals in solution. The water, by continuous action, robbed the rhyolite flows of its rich silica composition, causing it to eventually decompose. The harder, more durable agate materials stayed in place. This is very likely the origin of thundereggs. Many await discovery in the new loose beds of decomposed rhyolite to be dug, sawed and polished by the expert craftsmen, thereby revealing the hidden beauty of this remarkable wonder of Nature, for the lasting enjoyment and adoration of everyone fortunate enough to view their splendor. |