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Fields is a small unincorporated community in Harney County, Oregon, United States, located 112 miles (180 km) south of Burns.
In 2000, the community had a population of 86, including 17 students through grade 8. The average age was 38; the average household size was 2.53 persons; the average household income was $18,700; 85% of the community resided in a rented home.[1] Despite the town's small size, it is the commerce center for the area's ranches and the largest community between Denio, Nevada 22 miles (35 km) to the south and Frenchglen, Oregon 52.4 miles (84.3 km) to the north.
Fields was the homestead site of Charles Fields which he sold to John Smyth in 1911. The post office was established in 1913. The site was established as a stagecoach roadhouse in 1881 between Winnemucca, Nevada and Burns. The stone roadhouse was remodeled into a store and restaurant and remains the town center. The original stone horse barn has partly collapsed, but remains in use. The school was established around 1900 with one teacher and one room. As of 2003, it has two rooms and two teachers serving kindergarten through eighth grade.[2]
Ranching began in the area in 1869 when Whitehorse Ranch was established. The Rose Valley Borax Company processed about 400 short tons (360,000 kg) of crystallized borax annually from 1892 to 1902. Chinese workers collected alkali formed from evaporating spring water containing 80 ppm borate.[2]
Nearby publicly accessible hot springs include Alvord Hot Springs, Bog Hot Springs, and White Horse Hot Springs. Steens Mountain is located about 60 miles (97 km) to the north.
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