Athena Map
Athena is a city in Umatilla County, Oregon, United States.The population was 1,126 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Pendleton–Hermiston Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Athena was established as a stage stop between Pendleton, Oregon and Walla Walla, Washington, reportedly known by locals as Mud Flats, Yellow Dog, and Squaw Town until the official name of Centerville was selected. However, there was already a town by that name in Washington State, and eventually the schoolmaster, professor Jarvis, suggested Athena. City legend has it that he judged the surrounding topography as comparable to Athens, Greece.
Before World War I, Athena hosted the annual Caledonian Games, which lapsed in 1914. They were revived as a Bicentennial event in 1976 and continue today, and the Scots heritage is evident at Weston-McEwen High School. The high school, following the Scottish tradition, has had a pipe band, the Weston McEwen Pipes, Drums, and Military Band, since 1953.
Nearby cities include College Place, Pendleton, Touchet, Walla Walla, Weston.