Embark on an expedition through the historical lanes of Ordnance, Oregon, a ghost town cradled in the serene lap of Umatilla County’s hills. The tale of Ordnance unfurls from its military inception amidst the cauldron of World War II, weaving through the tapestry of evolving military strategies, to its present-day tranquil demeanor. It’s a compelling narrative of a town that once pulsated at the rhythm of global convulsions.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

The Forgotten Town of Ordnance, Oregon: A Ghostly Echo of War and Community

Echoes of a War-Time Community

Nestled in the vast, open landscapes of Umatilla County, Oregon, lies the ghost town of Ordnance – a name that whispers tales of war, community, and the impermanence of human endeavors. This forgotten town, now but a shadow of its former self, began its life during the throes of World War II, an era that shaped not only the destiny of nations but also the fates of small communities like Ordnance.

The story of Ordnance, Oregon, is tied to the Umatilla Ordnance Depot, commissioned by the United States Department of War in 1941. This sprawling facility, meant to be a bastion of military might, storing a plethora of munitions, marked the birth of Ordnance. The town’s name, derived from the depot, was an ever-present reminder of its purpose and significance during a time of global unrest​​.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

A Bustling War-Time Hub

The Ordnance townsite sprang up as a necessary appendage to the depot, providing housing and community for the thousands of workers employed there. At its zenith, the depot was a beehive of activity, employing over two thousand workers during World War II, a significant proportion of whom were women. These civilian women ordnance workers, or WOWs, undertook roles ranging from truck driving to munitions handling – jobs traditionally held by men. Their contribution was a crucial cog in the war effort, challenging gender norms and paving the way for future generations of working women​​.

Residents recall the unique street names of Ordnance, reminiscent of its military roots: ‘Bomb Street’, ‘Arsenal’, ‘Cannon’, ‘Detonator’, and ‘Cartridge’, among others. These names were more than mere identifiers; they were symbols of the town’s purpose and the collective spirit of its inhabitants​​.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Tragedy and Transformation

The depot’s history, however, is not without its dark moments. In 1944, a fatal accident occurred when a bomb exploded while being loaded into an igloo – a term used for the munitions storage bunkers. This tragedy, which claimed the lives of six workers, left a deep crater, a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked within the tasks undertaken by these workers. The largest piece of concrete from the exploded igloo, bearing a plaque, stands today as a memorial to those lost​​.

Post-World War II, the depot continued to play a vital role, storing and supplying munitions for conflicts such as the Korean War and Vietnam War. The installation’s focus shifted in 1962 when it began receiving and storing chemical weapons. These nerve and blister agents, while never used in conflict, were a contentious issue, leading to calls for their destruction in the late 1970s and 1980s. The incineration of these weapons, a process completed in 2012, marked the end of an era for the depot and, by extension, the town of Ordnance​​​​.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

Ordnance Today: A Ghost Town’s Legacy

Today, Ordnance is a ghost town, its once-busy streets and homes reclaimed by the surrounding landscape. The depot’s legacy lives on in the form of an extensive Superfund cleanup project and plans for land reutilization. A portion of the land is earmarked for the Oregon National Guard’s training purposes, while other parts will become a wildlife preserve or be used for industrial and agricultural purposes​​.

The echoes of Ordnance’s past are not just in the physical remnants but also in the memories of those who lived there. Stories of ice boxes, wood cook stoves, community centers, and school days paint a vivid picture of a close-knit community forged in the crucible of war. These narratives, often shared by former residents, offer glimpses into a time when Ordnance was more than a ghost town – it was a home, a workplace, and a community united by extraordinary circumstances​​.

In the quietude that now blankets Ordnance, one can almost hear the echoes of laughter, the clanging of factory work, and the whispers of stories untold. It stands as a testament to the transient nature of human creations and the enduring spirit of community. The history of Ordnance, Oregon, is a poignant reminder of the indelible imprint left by small towns in the larger tapestry of world events.

Photo: Johnny Joo – Odd World Studio

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