Thomas R. Cox

Historian and author Thomas R. Cox has written widely about environmental, social, and economic history. In his new book, The Other Oregon: People, Environment, and History East of the Cascades (OSU Press), he returns to his roots in Eastern Oregon to explore a diverse and under-appreciated region of the Pacific Northwest.

Eastern Oregon covers 17 counties, with geography that includes high dessert, rolling farmland, and alpine peaks. The people of the region have never been a homogeneous show more whole. While the relationships between the people and the land have always been paramount, the relationships vary and have changed over time. Attitudes towards environmental issues and much else differ widely.

Cox explores the environmental history, geography, and natural resources or Eastern Oregon to write a history of this specific region. But the story he tells is broadly relevant to anyone interested in how values and attitudes are shaped by the land of their home place rather than built environments. show less

A very well researched book on the history and activities in the Eastern Cascade area of Oregon.
This book would appeal to local area folks who want to know more about the background of the area. There are many interesting stories.
One of the key points that the author makes is that those who use the rural lands for cattle, sheep and other uses are not paying their fair share for the true cost of the degradation of the land to restore it back to a healthy state after they move on. Being here show more in Central Oregon we are living with this destruction and I agree! show less