Pelota Fronton, historic sports facility in Jordan Valley, Oregon, USA
The Pelota Fronton is a ball court in Jordan Valley, Oregon, built from 1915 to 1917 for a traditional Basque game. The structure consists of a high wall for play, a simple open court, and is made with wood and brick in a straightforward design built to last.
Built by Basque immigrants from 1915 to 1917 who came for work in sheep herding, the court saw regular play until the mid-1930s. A shift in grazing laws and local regulations then reduced its use, though it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s and fully restored in 1997.
The court reflects the Basque community that settled here in the late 1800s and used this space to stay connected to their traditions. Visitors can see how the game brought people together as a shared cultural practice, with a stone symbol representing the seven provinces of Basque Country added during restoration.
The site is easy to walk around with modest paths leading to it, giving a straightforward visit experience. Visitors should come prepared with no facilities on-site, so plan accordingly for a simple outdoor experience.
Unlike typical Basque courts that use the wicker racket called a cesta, players here used different equipment for their game. This adaptation shows how immigrants modified their sport to fit local circumstances while keeping the core tradition alive.
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