Douglas County, Oregon

Douglas County, located in southwestern Oregon, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Umpqua, Cow Creek, and Takelma people, who thrived on the abundant natural resources of the area.

European settlement began in the early 1800s, when fur traders and explorers ventured into the region. In 1828, the Hudson's Bay Company established Fort Umpqua near present-day Elkton as a fur trading post. The Rogue River Indian War in the 1850s, sparked by conflicts between Native Americans and settlers, had a significant impact on the region, leading to the establishment of a reservation for the displaced tribes.

During the mid-nineteenth century, the discovery of gold brought a wave of miners and settlers to Douglas County. Several prosperous mining towns, such as Canyonville and Glendale, were established as a result. However, as the gold rush waned, the region transitioned to agricultural activities, particularly timber production. The dense forests in Douglas County attracted timber companies, which played a crucial role in the county's economy for decades.

In the early twentieth century, the Roseburg Lumber Company became one of the largest employers in the area. Douglas County experienced periods of growth and economic prosperity throughout the twentieth century, along with the challenges associated with the timber industry's fluctuations. Today, the county boasts a diverse economy, with tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, and education playing significant roles in the community's vitality.
Brief timeline of the history of Douglas County, Oregon:

  • 1852 - Douglas County founded as an Oregon Territory county
  • 1853 - Town of Scottsburg founded
  • 1854 - County seat moved to Winchester
  • 1855 - Roseburg founded as county seat
  • 1864 - Umpqua College (now Umpqua Community College) established in Wilbur
  • 1872 - City of Myrtle Creek incorporated
  • 1874 - City of Drain incorporated
  • 1884 - City of Riddle incorporated
  • 1893 - City of Reedsport incorporated
  • 1909 - Logging industry becomes prominent in Douglas County
  • 1922 - City of Winston incorporated
  • 1950 - Construction of Winchester Dam completed
  • 1951 - Wildlife Safari established near Winston
  • 1964 - City of Sutherlin incorporated
  • 1973 - Douglas County Museum of Natural and Cultural History opens
  • 1984 - Umpqua National Forest established
  • 1996 - Wildlife Safari designated as an accredited zoo
  • 2005 - City of Canyonville incorporated
  • 2012 - City of Glendale incorporated

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Douglas County, Oregon.