Smith Homestead-Metolius

Smith Homestead-Metolius
Location	Sisters RD, Deschutes NF
Tree Count	5
Species	4 apple,1 pear
Varieties	2 identified

History

The Smith Homestead-Metolius orchard is located on the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest, in the Lower Metolius River area of Central Oregon.

Historical Context

The Metolius River corridor has a distinct history of early exploration by trappers, homesteading, early recreation use, Civilian Conservation Corps activities, and early Forest Service administration that is unique within the region. The area is recognized as having sites eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, Metolius River</ref>

Old Metsker maps (hand-drawn maps of Oregon produced in the 1980s and 1990s) reference a "Smith Cabin Historical Site" in the Lower Metolius area, indicating a homestead presence, though detailed records of the original Smith family settlers remain limited.<ref>"Lower Metolius River" blog post, Off the Beaten Trail PDX</ref> A photograph in the project archives titled "Smith Cabin Metolius background" confirms the historical significance of this site.

Homesteading Era

Homesteading in the Metolius area began in earnest in the early 1900s. Bureau of Land Management records show that nearby El Rancho was patented on July 2, 1915 to Carl T. Hubbard, with applications dating prior to 1910.<ref>"Oregon's Sisters Country" by Raymond R. Hatton</ref> The Smith Homestead likely dates to this same homesteading era. The area's opportunities for homestead claims ended when President Grover Cleveland established the surrounding land as a federal forest preserve in 1893, making any private land holdings from that period particularly significant.

Access to homesteads in the Lower Metolius was extremely limited in early days, often only by pack trail. The rugged terrain and difficult access contributed to the isolation of these early settlers, but also helped preserve their orchards long after the homesteads were abandoned.

Cultural Heritage

The Metolius River is a sacred place for the Wasco, Warm Springs, and Northern Paiute of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, who have hunted, gathered, and fished from the river for thousands of years before Euro-American settlement.<ref>Oregon Encyclopedia, "Metolius River"</ref>

DNA Analysis

The orchard's apple trees were sampled for DNA analysis as part of the Central Oregon Heritage Fruit Tree Project. Results identified:

• Grimes Golden - A famous American heritage variety discovered in West Virginia circa 1830, believed to be a parent of Golden Delicious. Known for its rich, spicy, tangy flavor.
• UAF5 - A unique genetic profile matching samples from multiple other heritage orchards in the region (AFRS-013 from Cyrus Horse Camp, AFRS-116, and AMOR-104), suggesting this variety was widely distributed among early homesteaders in Central Oregon.

Preservation Status

The orchard is located on National Forest System land administered by the Sisters Ranger District and is part of ongoing heritage fruit tree preservation efforts in the Deschutes National Forest.

Further historical research is ongoing. The Camp Sherman Historical Society and Jefferson County Historical Society may hold additional records about the Smith family homesteaders.

References

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Condition	Count
Good	2
Fair	3
Poor	0
Dead	0
Total	5

The Smith Homestead-Metolius orchard contains 2 documented heritage fruit trees.

Trees

Unknown Condition

• Tree #1- UAF5(good)
• Tree #2(fair)
• Tree #3- Grimes Golden(fair)
• Tree #4(fair)
• Tree #5(good)

Varieties

• Grimes Golden
• UAF5