• Jacksonville is a city-sized time-machine, allowing to go back as far as the 19th century
• Whole city is a U.S. National Historic Landmark

Starting as a gold rush community, Jacksonville’s history has been filled with ups and downs. Today, the whole city is a U.S. National Historic Landmark, with numerous yearly events commemorating its history and culture. Frommer calls Jacksonville “a snapshot from southern Oregon’s past.”

Jacksonville is located in Jackson County, about 5 miles west of Medford, close to the California border. The community is nestled in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains in the so-called “banana belt” of the Pacific Northwest, known for its moderate climate and distinctive seasons.

A Short History of Jacksonville

The gold rush of the 19th century drew thousands of hopeful prospectors to California's Sierra Nevada. While few struck it rich, some who did not succeed there refused to give up. In 1851, they moved north to an area that became known as Rich Gulch—and later, Jacksonville—after gold was discovered there.

Jacksonville developed fast and became the second-largest city in Oregon and the Jackson County seat. That growth lasted until the 1880s when the Oregon and California Railroad connecting San Francisco and Portland bypassed Jacksonville. Afterward, many residents and businesses moved to Medford, the town built around the railroad depot. In 1927, the county seat was also moved to Medford, leaving even fewer reasons for staying in Jacksonville.

The Great Depression only contributed to the city’s deterioration, plummeting Jacksonville into what looked like historic oblivion. The economic situation was so dire that the remaining residents had to dig up the streets for gold, which still lay there.

The city's ghost-like state, however, helped preserve its architecture. Due to neglect and a lack of economic incentives, most historic buildings remained untouched. They were later restored to their 19th-century look based on the pictures made by Peter Britt, a photographer who moved to the area in 1852 looking for gold but eventually devoted his time to photography.

In 1966, preservation efforts led to the whole town becoming a National Historic Landmark, signifying Jacksonville's return onto the cultural and commercial map as one of the historic, cultural, and wine industry centers. Today, Jacksonville is a city-sized time machine, allowing visitors to go back as far as the 19th century while retaining all the conveniences of the 21st century.

Attend Jacksonville Festivals and Events

Among Jacksonville’s notable events is the Britt Music & Art Festival (named after the above-mentioned Peter Britt), which rivals Ashland’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival in its ability to stage creative and entertaining performances. The Festival takes place at the open-air amphitheater, selected due to the acoustic qualities of the surrounding hills.

Another noteworthy event is Victorian Christmas, celebrated in the best traditions of the past that allow visitors to take a holiday stroll down memory lane.

Enjoy Local Wine-Tasting

The area around Jacksonville, especially the beautiful Applegate Valley, is full of great wineries. You can visit tasting rooms to try local wines, enjoy gorgeous vineyard views, and experience the region's hospitality.

Table Rocks

Table Rocks are the two most distinguished Rogue River Valley volcanic formations on the north bank of the Rogue River, just a short drive from Medford.

The unique vertical walls are created by heavy basalt collapsing under its own weight. This is one of THE BEST places in southern Oregon for hiking and nature viewing.

Table Rocks - Two Volcanic Towers You Can Climb!

Applegate River

Applegate River is a tributary of the Rogue River, originating in northern California's Siskiyou Mountains. The river collects spring water and snow melt in the mountains and flows northward, crossing the Oregon border.

The river has numerous swimming holes, including well-developed and small secluded spots. It warms up nicely during summer, making swimming comfortable.

Applegate River Swimming & Other Water Activities

Applegate Lake

Applegate Lake is a scenic place with plenty of outdoor adventures in beautiful southern Oregon nature. The lake is fantastic for swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and other water activities. At the same time, the surrounding area is a paradise for camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, and just getting away from your daily routine.

Applegate Lake - Artificial Lake With Rich History And Excellent Fishing!