 |
||
 |
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
19th Century Jacksonville comes to life in four narrated, self-guided audio tours featuring sounds of the era
and voices of pioneers who settled Southern Oregon.
Jacksonville’s Historic
Commercial Core
Following the discovery of gold in 1851, the hillsides around Jackson and Daisy creeks soon blossomed with tents, as the promise of riches lured fortune seekers from all over the world. Those who lingered past the “easy gold” began constructing wood frame buildings from Oregon’s abundant timber. The original tent city became Table Rock City, a growing settlement that attracted miners, farmers, and merchants alike. However, the wooden buildings were susceptible to fire, and major fires ravaged sections of the burgeoning business district. Merchants rebuilt with locally fired bricks, motivated not only by loss of commerce, but also by the sky-rocketing cost of fire insurance. Fire was the impetus for most of the brick structures that now comprise Jacksonville’s historic commercial district. These second and third generation buildings reflect the city’s energy and optimism and its conviction that Jacksonville would continue to be the heart of Southern Oregon politics, business, and culture. And for over 30 years it was. But then the railroad came—or rather it didn’t come. The railroad’s decision to construct it’s track through the flat valley floor begat Medford, but it also led to Jacksonville’s demise and its salvation. As Medford waxed and Jacksonville waned, Jacksonville became frozen in time, preserving its buildings, its character, and its past. This tour shares these with you—along with stories of the individuals who built both the town and its history.
Tour lasts approximately 1 hour.
These tours are made possible by the generosity of the Southern Oregon Historical Society and by grants from the Oregon Tourism Commission, the City of Jacksonville, and the Jackson County Cultural Coalition funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust, investing in Oregon’s arts, humanities, and heritage. Additional support has been provided by the Jacksonville Boosters Club, the Jacksonville Woodlands Association, and by local merchants.
Jacksonville’s Historic Homes
As a young United States’ population moved West, pioneers built their homes and businesses from available materials. In Oregon, that meant timber, and the first permanent structures in Jacksonville were wood framed buildings. Early homes were typically one-room cabins where residents lived, cooked, dined, and slept—the predecessor of today’s “great room.” As the need arose and finances permitted, more rooms would be added, typically in the architectural style popular at the time. As a result, many historic Jacksonville residences reflect multiple styles that were popular during the town’s boom period between 1850 and 1925, combining elements of Classical Revival, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Craftsman architecture. Residences also reflect the change in cultural values from early Victorian days through post World War I. During the mid-1800s, modesty was the fashion. Even the wealthiest residents down-played their income, constructing comfortable, but not lavish, homes. By the late 1800s, it was acceptable to “flaunt it,” and Queen Anne architecture became fashionable for affluent citizens. In the early 1900s Craftsman architecture became popular—a rebellion against the Industrial Age and a return to a simpler lifestyle. This tour shares these many aspects of Jacksonville’s history and architecture. But perhaps more importantly, it shares the stories of the individuals who built and occupied these homes.
Tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours
Jacksonville’s Pioneer Cemetery
Jacksonville’s historic pioneer cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Pacific Northwest and one of the few that has remained in continuous use. These 32 acres, containing over 4,000 grave sites, provide a glimpse into Jacksonville’s past. Here you can learn about the people who settled Southern Oregon, their families, their beliefs, their occupations, and their organizations. Unlike most cemeteries, this one is divided into sections. Four sections represent fraternal organizations: the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Independent (German) and Improved Orders of Red Men. Two sections represent religions—Roman Catholic and Jewish. The seventh and largest section is the City portion, which includes a Potter’s Field. The original acreage was part of Colonel J. N. T. Miller’s government land grant. The cemetery was platted in 1859 and dedicated in 1860. Some of the cemetery graves have elaborate memorials in keeping with late 1800s traditions. Others are marked by simple wooden crosses or signs. Most of the pioneers who came to Jacksonville came for one of two reasons—gold or free land. Many who came for the gold, stayed for the land. Most of those who got rich, however, were those who supplied goods and services to the miners and settlers. In the process of seeking their fortunes, our pioneers endured extreme hardship, Indian attacks, epidemics, and untimely deaths. Dreamers, opportunists, successes and failures, here they rest….
Tour lasts approximately 1 hour.
Jacksonville’s Woodland Trails
Since 1989 the Jacksonville Woodlands Association has been working to protect the cultural and natural history of Jacksonville by preserving the woodlands that surround our historic town. So far, over 320 acres have been set aside for public use, including an extensive network of hiking and interpretive trails. This tour invites you to explore three of these trails —the Sarah Zigler Trail, the Jackson Forks Trail, and the Panorama Point Trail. The Sarah Zigler trail head starts in the Lower Britt Gardens, originally the homestead of pioneer Peter Britt. Britt was a photographer, painter, horticulturist, and meteorologist. His photos of Crater Lake helped designate it a National Park. His surviving photos of Jacksonville contributed to its being designated a National Historic Landmark. Britt also laid the foundations for Southern Oregon’s wine and orchard industries. The tour route introduces you to Oregon’s oldest living Giant Sequoia, the site of the area’s first gold discovery, remnants of early mining activity, and other aspects of Jacksonville’s colorful past. Along the way, your surroundings change from natural forest to Riparian zone to transitional forest to oak savannah, each with its own flora and fauna. Spring and summer herald a wealth of wildflowers—some of which grow nowhere else on earth. Each trail, each season, provide something to fascinate and delight. So take a hike through time, nature, and history!
Zigler Trail tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Extended tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hour