JACKSONVILLE The historical town of Jacksonville is located about seven miles west of Medford and fifteen miles north of Ashland Oregon. Jacksonville is one of the most historically significant communities in the western United States.   Filled with historical landmarks this town offers visitors to share in the experience of a bygone era. Jacksonville is filled specialty shops, cozy inns, museums, fine restaurants and other historic attractions. People from all over come to dine in Rogue Valley's best restaurants still in the original brick and wood.   There are three antique stores, 1 gallery, 1 Christian Book Store, any many boutiques. Jacksonville is Home to the Britt Festival (more info & picture below). Home to several Historical sites such as the Jacksonville Museum (formerly the old courthouse.) Visitors can come see exhibits and collections of yesteryears. Museum Hours The Jacksonville Museum and Children's Museum are open Wednesday thru Saturday, 1- 4 pm And don't miss "Weaving Our Way Then and Now: American Indians in Southern Oregon"--exhibit in the Jacksonville Museum featuring nearly 300 rare artifacts from the SOHS Native American collection. Research Library Hours - Wednesday & Thursday only, 1 - 4:30 pm More than 100 individual buildings are on the National Register or Historic Places. In 1966, the entire town of Jacksonville was designated a National Register of Historic landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. There are historic Inns and Bed and Breakfast Inns (most are actual historic landmarks that reflect the mystery and elegance of an earlier era.) HISTORY In the early years Gold was discovered in the Oregon territory at Rich Gulch in 1851. Miners flocked to the Rogue Valley from everywhere to seek their fortune. Within months, thousands were scoring the hills hoping to stake a claim. A thriving mining camp emerged along the gold-lined creekbeds and before long, the bustling camp was transformed into a town named "Jacksonville".   The gold rush fever brought prosperity very quickly to Jacksonville and by the winter of 1852, saloons and gambling halls were springing up to coax the gold from the hands of the eager prospectors. Makeshift shops, supply stores, a bank and all sorts of enterprising businesses suddenly began to appear on the scene.   During these early "boom" years, Jacksonville became the hub of commerce in Southern Oregon and the county seat of government. In 1884, when the railroad decided to bypass Jacksonville and choose the new town of Medford as the primary link between north and south, many residents and businesses moved away. A few wealthy merchants built grand mansions and the new County Court House was completed in 1884. By the -1890's agriculture had replaced mining as the main industry in the Valley.   For the next 50 years, Jacksonville remained relatively unchanged as surrounding communities continued to grow. The county seat was finally moved to Medford in 1927. Depression years and World War II left a serious impact on the local community. But these turning points for Jacksonville had actually helped to preserve it's historic legacy. THE BRITT FESTIVAL Throughout the year, Jacksonville offers a wide range of events and activities for all ages. Activities include the famous Peter Britt Music Festival --Jacksonville Museum Tours -- Trolley Tours -- Arts and Crafts Show, Whole Town Yard Sale, Annual Block Party and Fritillaria Festival!   For more information Call the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at 541-899-8118   Information used by permission of RogueWeb.com & SouthernOregon.com << BACK TO MAIN AREA PAGE