of varying size near the southern end of Steens Mountain, from which it receives its main water supply through Wildhorse Creek. In wet weather the lake overflows Alvord Desert, a playa to the north which occupies a large part of Alvord Valley. These geographic features were named by then Captain George B. Currey of the First Oregon Cavalry, during the Snake War of 1864 for Major Benjamin Alvord, who subsequently reached the rank of brigadier-general in the U. S. army. He was paymaster of the department of Oregon, 1854–62. In 1861–65 he was in command of the department of Oregon. He was born at Rutland, Vermont, August 8, 1813; died October 17, 1884. He was held in high estimation in the Pacific Northwest, and Indian depredations in eastern Oregon, after his departure, made his absence all the more regretted. For a biographical sketch, see The Oregonian, March 3, 1865..
Amity, Yamhill County. This name was the result of an amicable settlement of a local school dispute. Amity was the name of a school, first applied in 1849 by Ahio S. Watt, pioneer of 1848, who was the first teacher in a log building, that was constructed by two rival communities which were seeking school advantages. The post office was established in 1852, Jerome B. Walling, postmaster (The Oregonian, April 20, 1852). Elevation 161 feet.
Ana River, Lake County. Ana River is a short, spring-fed stream that flows into the north end of Summer Lake. W. H. Byars, who surveyed the lands bordering on the lake named the river for his small daughter, later Mrs. S. W. Thompson of Salem. Mr. Byars was a well-known pioneer resident of Oregon, and was surveyor general from 1890 to 1894.
Anchor, Douglas County. Despite repeated efforts the author has been unable to secure information concerning the origin of this name.
