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All the United States Oregon La Grande William N. Banton Tool Shop
AO Edited

William N. Banton Tool Shop

One of the few remaining water-driven tool shops, originally built in 1911.

La Grande, Oregon

Added By
Walker Alldredge
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Tool Shoppe [SIDE]   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Tool Shoppe [SIDE]   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Tool Shoppe [FRONT]   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Commemorative Boulder   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Commemorative Plaque   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Inside the Tool Shoppe   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Water Wheel   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
Tool Shoppe Surroundings   KingThiq / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Now a feature of the Chas H. Reynolds Rest Area, the once-thriving tool shop was a main feature of Ladd Creek Canyon, providing a rest area for weary travelers and supplies for craftsmen.

The historical building and water-wheel still stand, and were originally constructed in 1911. Banton once used the water-driven shop to create tools for his livestock ranch. During the harsh winter months, the water wheel is kept inside the cabin.

Alongside is a monument, with an inscription that reads, "The water-driven tool shop in Ladd Creek Canyon, visible from the highway near this point, was built in 1911 and operated by William N. Banton, prominent Union County rancher whose holdings once encompassed the safety rest area. Banton settled the land in 1868 as a youngster with his parents, Edwin D. and Mary J. Grubbe Banton, pioneers from Missouri. He raised livestock and improved the property until his retirement in 1940."

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Plaques Tools

Know Before You Go

Pierce Road runs behind the building, the easiest way to access is by pulling into the rest stop. The rest stop is labeled as either “Charles Reynolds” or “Chas H. Reynolds” depending on which GPS system you are using. The monument for the rest stop is labeled as “Chas H. Reynolds”

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Added By

KingThiq

Published

August 22, 2024

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  • -Commemorative Plaque
William N. Banton Tool Shop
58000–58160 Pierce Rd
La Grande, Oregon, 97850
United States
45.23531, -118.01138
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Nearby Places

The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs

La Grande, Oregon

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Oregon

Oregon

United States

Places 208
Stories 32

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The Lodge at Hot Lake Springs

La Grande, Oregon

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Oregon

Oregon

United States

Places 208
Stories 32

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