Bend is by far the largest city in Central Oregon.  The name Bend was derived from "Farewell Bend," the designation used by early pioneers to refer to the location along the Deschutes River where the town eventually was platted.  This was one of the few fordable points along the river.  The population was 52,029 at the 2000 census, though it has grown to over 75,000 as of 2006.

Bend is located on the edge of the Cascade Range Ponderosa Pine forest on the west as it transitions into the Great Basin high desert plateau, characterized by junipers, sagebrush and little water.  Originally a logging town, Bend is now best known as a jumping-off point for numerous outdoor sports, such as mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, skiing, and - especially - golf.

Until the winter of 1824, the Bend area was known only to Native Americans who hunted and fished there.  That year, members of a fur trapping party led by Peter Skene Ogden visited the area.  John C. Fremont, Dr. John Strong Newberry, and other Army survey parties came next. Then pioneers heading farther west passed through the area and forded the Deschutes River at "Farewell Bend."

Actual settlement did not occur until the early 1900s with the founding of the Pilot Butte Development Company by Alexander M. Drake.  A small community developed around the bend in the river, and in 1904 a city was incorporated by a general vote of the community's 300 residents.  On January 4, 1905, the city held its first official meeting as an incorporated municipality, appointing A. H. Goodwillie as the first mayor.  Twelve years later, Deschutes County was formed from the western half of Crook County and Bend was designated as the county seat.  In 1929, Bend amended the charter and adopted the manager/council form of government.

Some of the more noteworthy features of Bend include the delightful downtown section bounded primarily by Bond and Wall Streets; beautiful Drake Park along the Deschutes River; Mirror Pond on the river itself; the Old Mill District with its many fine shops, entertainment venues and restaurants; Pilot Butte, featuring an incredible 360 degree view; Central Oregon Community College; Awbrey Butte with its exquisite homes and incomparable views; numerous business parks and high-caliber medical centers; and, of course, the factory outlet stores on Highway 97 South.    

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