About Vale
 Vale is located on the Malheur River at the point where the wagons using the Oregon Trail crossed the river.  The first building in Vale was built on the banks of the Malheur River by Jonathan Keeney in 1864.  This crude log cabin served travelers until the Stone House was built in 1872.  The community was named Vale, meaning "valley" when the post office was established.  The first school in Vale opened in 1887.  The first church built was the Methodist.  The city was incorporated in 1889.

What is now Malheur County was formerly a part of Baker County to the north.  In 1887, Oregon's governor approved the measure which divided Baker County and created Malheur County.  When the new county was established, there were six aspirants for county seat, including Vale.  After many bitterly fought elections, Vale was selected as the county seat.  The final election was held in 1955, ending a 65 year battle!

 Vale is located 75 miles west of Boise, Idaho.

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