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Historic Jacksonville Oregon

The Historic Landmark Town that Never Gets Old

Gold fever, wagon trains, Indian uprisings, epidemics, and the settlement of a new frontier are all part of Jacksonville’s heritage. After a wild start as a gold rush town, our story began to quiet down as folks moved to the area to focus on agriculture, banking, and shop-keeping, along with raising their families.

You’ll see the names of many of these families and our founders on the buildings in town.

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Humble BeginningsJacksonville got its start as a gold rush town. Gold was first discovered at Rich Gulch in 1851. As the news spread, the area was inundated by gold miners seeking their fortunes.

Before then, the area was populated by the Upland Takelmas Native American tribe. They had previously limited interactions with white people outside of the occasional trapper. The influx of white settlers caused increased friction, and eventually, the native populations were removed from the area.
Humble Beginnings
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A Growing CityJacksonville was originally named Table Rock City because of the view of two mesas about 10 miles away. Once the county was established, it was renamed Jacksonville. It emerged from the mining campsites and thrived to become the county seat and the largest city in Oregon. Settlers found the Rogue Valley to be a desirable place to establish land claims with the hope of earning a living as farmers and ranchers.
A Growing City
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Notable FoundersPeter Britt & Cornelius C. Beekman

Among those drawn to the area was Peter Britt. His search for gold eventually gave way to a passion for chronicling the times. Using his talents as a photographer, he captured the lives, landscapes, and legends of the day. His former estate is now home to the Britt Festival, a summer-long concert series.

Another Jacksonville pioneer was Cornelius C. Beekman. He also started his career in gold prospecting but eventually established Oregon’s first bank. You can hear more about his story on select Saturdays during the summer when you can tour his home.

Jacksonville was once the largest town in the Oregon Territory. That is until the railroad bypassed the town in 1884. Jacksonville fought to remain the county seat, however, the boom was over, and businesses and residents moved away. Over the next 50 years, most relocated to Medford with its railroad stop.
Peter Britt
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CemeteryJacksonville Cemetery has been a silent witness to the passage of time, holding the stories of those who shaped our community. From its humble beginnings to its role in preserving local history, the cemetery stands as a testament to our past.
Cementery
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National Historic LandmarkMost of Jacksonville is now a National Historic Landmark due to the preservation of so many of these buildings. At first, it was preservation by neglect due to lack of economic incentive. Then, in the 1960’s, folks who appreciated the history of Jacksonville, banded together to prevent the interstate from coming through town. That was the start of focusing on preservation efforts, leading to the National Historic Landmark designation.

With over 100 structures included in the National Register of Historic Places, now residents are proud to help maintain the town and its history.
National Historic Landmark
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Humble BeginningsJacksonville got its start as a gold rush town. Gold was first discovered at Rich Gulch in 1851. As the news spread, the area was inundated by gold miners seeking their fortunes.

Before then, the area was populated by the Upland Takelmas Native American tribe. They had previously limited interactions with white people outside of the occasional trapper. The influx of white settlers caused increased friction, and eventually, the native populations were removed from the area.
Humble Beginnings
o
A Growing CityJacksonville was originally named Table Rock City because of the view of two mesas about 10 miles away. Once the county was established, it was renamed Jacksonville. It emerged from the mining campsites and thrived to become the county seat and the largest city in Oregon. Settlers found the Rogue Valley to be a desirable place to establish land claims with the hope of earning a living as farmers and ranchers.
A Growing City
o
Notable FoundersPeter Britt & Cornelius C. Beekman

Among those drawn to the area was Peter Britt. His search for gold eventually gave way to a passion for chronicling the times. Using his talents as a photographer, he captured the lives, landscapes, and legends of the day. His former estate is now home to the Britt Festival, a summer-long concert series.

Another Jacksonville pioneer was Cornelius C. Beekman. He also started his career in gold prospecting but eventually established Oregon’s first bank. You can hear more about his story on select Saturdays during the summer when you can tour his home. Click here for additional Pioneer Profiles.

Jacksonville was once the largest town in Oregon Territory. That is until the railroad bypassed the town in 1884. Jacksonville fought to remain the county seat, however, the boom was over, and businesses and residents moved away. Over the next 50 years, most relocated to Medford with its railroad stop
Peter Britt
o
CementeryJacksonville Cemetery has been a silent witness to the passage of time, holding the stories of those who shaped our community. From its humble beginnings to its role in preserving local history, the cemetery stands as a testament to our past.
Cementery
o
National Historic LandmarkMost of Jacksonville is now a National Historic Landmark due to the preservation of so many of these buildings. At first it was preservation by neglect due to lack of economic incentive. Then, in the 1960’s folks who appreciated what Jacksonville was banded together to prevent the interstate from coming through town. That was the start of focusing on preservation efforts, leading to the National Historic Landmark designation.

With over 100 structures included in the National Register of Historic Places, now residents are proud to help maintain the town and its history. You can take a virtual tour.
National Historic Landmark

Jacksonville History Tours & Attractions

There are several tour options available from various venues around town depending on what you are looking to learn and how!
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beekman-bank

Beekman Bank Museum

110 W. California Street Jacksonville, OR 97530

1863 Beekman Bank Museum – the first and oldest financial institution north of San Francisco. This historic building is located at the corner of California and North 3rd streets has […]
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Beekman-House

Beekman House Museum Tours

470 E. California Street Jacksonville, Oregon 97530

Visit the 1873 Beekman House Museum, home to Jacksonville’s wealthiest and most prominent pioneer family.  The house is still furnished the family’s belongings – not replicas or replacements as many […]
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Guided History Walking Tours

Trace town history on foot and view early Jacksonville through the architecture and stories of the pioneers who built and occupied our landmark structures. Free 1-hour tours will leave from […]
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Haunted History Walking Tour

Hear about Jacksonville’s “restless” former residents in Historic Jacksonville, Inc.’s 1-hour “Haunted History” walking tours.  Costumed tour guides share both history and tales of pioneers whose spirits still dwell in […]
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Historic Jacksonville, Inc.

206 North 5th Street, Jacksonville, OR 97530

Historic Jacksonville, Inc. brings the history of Jacksonville and Southern Oregon to life through tours, events, activities, article, and blogs that share the stories of the pioneers who settled the […]
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Jacksonville Cemetery

Cemetery Road, Jacksonville OR 97530

Established in 1860, this historic cemetery is one of Oregon’s oldest and largest, featuring pioneer graves from Southern Oregon’s earliest days. The 32-acre grounds include dedicated sections for various religious […]
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Narrated History Trolley Tours

185 North Oregon, Jacksonville, Oregon 97530

Enjoy a narrated overview of Jacksonville history which highlights the gracious vintage homes and commercial buildings.  Tours last approximately 45 minutes and depart from the Visitor Information Center- 185 North Oregon […]
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Self-Guided Walking Tours

185 N. Oregon Street Jacksonville OR 97530

Pick up your free walking tour guide at the Visitor Information Center and discover Oregon’s first National Historic Landmark town. This easy hour-long stroll along wooden sidewalks takes you past […]
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Jacksonville Historic Resources

For more information about Jacksonville’s history and to plan your visit, explore the following resources:
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