Pracht, Humboldt, House
234 Vista St., Ashland, OR Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Oregon is home to the largest living organism in the world, the Armillaria ostoyae fungus. The fungus covers over 2,200 acres of forest and is estimated to be over 2,400 years old.
In the mid-1800s, Jackson County experienced a significant influx of settlers during the Oregon Trail migration. Prospectors seeking gold and natural resources also flocked to the area. The discovery of gold near Jacksonville in 1851 led to a gold rush, establishing the town as one of the major hubs in the region. However, as the gold reserves diminished, Jacksonville’s importance waned, and other communities like Medford began to grow.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought rapid development and growth to the region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1880s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation in Jackson County. Agriculture became a prominent industry, with orchards, vineyards, and dairy farms flourishing in the fertile valleys. The timber industry also thrived, with vast forests surrounding the county.
Modern-day Jackson County has evolved into a diverse and thriving region. The Great Depression and subsequent changes in the timber industry had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the area adapted and diversified its economy, with a focus on tourism, healthcare, education, and technology sectors. The county is now known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational activities, and the presence of esteemed institutions like Southern Oregon University.
Overall, Jackson County's history is one of resilience, adaptation, and growth. From its Native American roots to the Oregon Trail migration, gold rush, and subsequent economic changes, the county has continuously adapted to meet the needs of its residents while maintaining its natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Jackson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jackson County, Oregon.
- 1852 - Jackson County established as a county in the Oregon Territory
- 1853 - First county seat moved to Jacksonville
- 1855 - Construction of the Jacksonville Courthouse completed
- 1884 - Ashland becomes county seat, replacing Jacksonville
- 1920 - First commercial orchard established in Jackson County
- 1943 - Medford officially becomes the county seat
- 1964 - Completion of the Lost Creek Dam on the Rogue River
- 1972 - Creation of the Crater Lake National Park and Preserve
- 1984 - Completion of the Jackson County Expo
- 1991 - Expansion of the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport