Uncovering Pendleton's Wild West Secrets: The Underground World of Gamblers, Outlaws, & Cowboys
This nonprofit organization began offering tours in 1989, pulling back the curtain on the town’s hidden world beneath the streets. At first, the idea of showcasing the underground tunnels and their dark history caused quite a stir. After all, the tour tells the true stories of Pendleton’s infamous Red Light District, where gambling, bootlegging, and prostitution were once a way of life.
What started as a controversial topic has since become Eastern Oregon’s top year-round tourist destination, drawing thousands of visitors eager to learn about the town’s unique past. These tunnels, originally used by Chinese laborers who played a major role in building the West, later became a haven for illegal activities during the early days of the frontier. Cowboys, outlaws, and businessmen alike walked these hidden passageways, seeking entertainment, a good poker game, or a drink during Prohibition.
The Special Cowboy Moments crew takes you inside this hidden piece of Western history, offering a first-hand look at the dimly lit corridors, old saloons, and remnants of a time when Pendleton was a booming town full of both opportunity and danger. Through expert guides and historical accounts, we uncover the stories of those who lived, worked, and survived in this underground world.
This episode is more than just a history lesson—it’s a tribute to the resilience and grit of the Old West. Whether you’re drawn to the legend of the cowboys, the untold stories of the Chinese laborers, or the raw truth of frontier life, the Pendleton Underground is a place where the past still speaks. Tune in for an unforgettable adventure into the shadows of the West, where every brick and tunnel has a story to tell.
