While visiting the Jacksonville and Medford Oregon area, don’t skip the nearby town of Medford! Both are small, quaint towns with a rich history and exciting activities. Jacksonville is the gateway to the Apple Valley Wine Trail and is known for its thriving cultural and epicurean scene. Budget Travel Magazine named Jacksonville one of America’s 10 most cool small towns, and the town is home to acclaimed winemakers and accessible hiking opportunities.
The city of Medford, Oregon, is the site of the Southern Oregon Traction Co., which connected Medford with Jacksonville. This book features detailed information about the two railroads, including their history and operations. There is a locomotive roster, timetables, and a bibliography in this 127-page book. The title has an index, but the “synopsis” may be from a previous edition.
If you’re looking for a day out, consider hiking through the gorgeous woodlands and mountains. Trails take you up hills, through madrone forests, and down into old mining trails. You can also take in the sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscape. The Beekman Arboretum offers interpretive tours of its beautiful gardens and flora. While exploring this beautiful region, don’t miss the opportunity to stop and sample the wine and cheese at one of the local vineyards.
If you’re planning to take a bus trip from Jacksonville to Medford, consider taking the bus. The trip takes about ten minutes and covers about four miles. It’s operated by the RVTD and takes about 10 minutes. Depending on the season, the schedules may differ. During weekends and holidays, the frequency of service may be different, so check with the bus service before you ride. You’ll pay $2 for the bus and it will take about 10 minutes to get to the city.
After settling down in Jacksonville, you’ll find a number of things to do. The city had the first Chinese community in Oregon, founded by immigrants from San Francisco. In March 2004, excavations during road construction uncovered evidence of the first Chinatown in Jacksonville. The construction was stopped while archeologists performed rescue excavations for four days. During these excavations, archeologists found opium paraphernalia, handmade bottles, and Chinese coins.
In 1849, gold was discovered in the Oregon territory. Thousands of gold-seekers rushed to the Rogue Valley to make their fortune. However, only a few were successful. After the failed gold rush in the California desert, survivors headed west and established the town of Medford and Jacksonville. The town grew as the town became a thriving mining settlement along the rich creekbeds. Soon, the town became known as Jacksonville and was the county seat and commercial heart of southern Oregon.
The two cities are renowned for their educational institutions. A number of renowned professors were born in the area and worked throughout the state. The Jacksonville and Medford Oregon area boasts many such places. The first major college in the state, Oregon, was founded in 1851. Its name was derived from the two towns’ locations. The city is a major center for higher learning, with many universities in the surrounding area.