Pendleton

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Pendleton: An American Heritage Brand

Pendleton textiles are renowned for quality, beauty and craftsmanship. As a sixth-generation, family-owned company, our weaving expertise comes from over 150 years of innovation and dedication.

Vintage Pendleton Woolen Mills label with detailed text and trademark information.
Historic Pendleton Woolen Mills factory with vintage cars outside.

160 Years Of American Manufacturing

When the Pendleton Woolen Mill opened in 1909, it was one of more than a thousand in the United States. Today, Pendleton owns and operates two of the few remaining woolen mills. With more than a century of manufacturing, a Pendleton product carries the spirit of the West.

Pendleton Timeline


1863

Founder Thomas Lister Kay, an English master weaver, arrives in Oregon with his family and establishes himself as a key force in region’s growing woolen industry.

Black and white portrait of a bearded man in a checkered shirt.
Three women from the early 1900s wearing large hats, sitting in a carriage.

1876

Thomas Lister Kay’s daughter, Fannie Kay, marries retailer C.P. Bishop, creating the foundation for present-day Pendleton Woolen Mills.

1902

The three sons of Fannie Kay and C.P. attend The Philadelphia Textile School, furthering the Bishop family’s weaving expertise.

A vintage black-and-white photo of four young men in formal attire.
Historic black and white photo of a large, multi-story brick building with a flagpole.

1909

With the local community financial support, the Bishop family rebuilds a woolen mill in Pendleton, Oregon.

1912

We acquire a second woolen mill in Washougal, Washington, cementing our connection to the Pacific Northwest.

Two elevated water tanks on metal structures behind industrial buildings.
A woman carefully makes a bed with a colorful striped blanket.

1916

Our Glacier National Park Blanket is introduced, the first in a series of blankets celebrating the National Park Service.

1924

As an alternative to the drab work shirts of the day, we introduce colorful wool shirts for men.

Vintage advertisement featuring a man in a blue shirt and hat with Pendleton branding.

1949

Our first women’s collection is introduced, featuring The ’49er® Jacket.

Vintage advertisement featuring a cheerful woman in a plaid jacket inviting to go Pendleton.
Historic photo of Pendleton Woolen Mills storefront with workers outside.

1955

Pendleton Dry Goods Mercantile opens in Disneyland’s Frontierland.

1961

The Beach Boys (originally known as the Pendletones), wear our Original Surf Plaid Shirt on the cover of their Surfer Girl album.

Four men carrying a large wooden boat on a beach.
Abstract art depicting four black and red robed figures against an orange background.

1976

The Pendleton Legendary Blanket Collection debuts to celebrate the symbols and stories of Native American culture.

1998

Jeff Bridges wears our Original Westerley Sweater as The Dude in The Big Lebowski spawning a cult-classic look that inspires fans today.

A cozy cream sweater with dark geometric patterns on a red surface.
People in traditional Native American attire participate in a cultural outdoor event.

Today

We continue to produce exceptional goods that are recognized worldwide, and are proud to give back through donations, contributions and philanthropic partnerships. 
Shown: a scene from the 2023 Pendleton 
Round-Up. Every year since its inception in 1910 we‘ve participated in this beloved event, considered to be one of America’s top rodeos.

Enduring Relationships

Pendleton has long-term connections with wool growers across the USA, with some providing wool to Pendleton for over 75 years.

A cowboy walking with cattle on a dusty path.