Local History

Access historic periodicals, browse books on Oregon’s history, and learn about upcoming lectures and special events.

Library history month

Celebrate the history of libraries in Josephine County during the month of September. Visit each branch in Grants Pass, Illinois Valley, Williams, and Wolf Creek for special displays recounting the history of that branch, research local history resources, and follow along on social media for daily photos giving us a glimpse into the history of our library system.

For information about sources, email info@josephinelibrary.org.

Learn about each branch Visit Facebook

Tribal communities in southern Oregon

The land on which we operate the four library branches in southern Oregon is the traditional home of the Takelma (“Those Along the River”), the Athabaskan-speaking Dakubetede (“Beautiful Place”), the Shasta, and the Taltushtuntude peoples. The discovery of gold in our area in the 1850s and the opening of the Oregon Trail led to clashes between colonizers and the native peoples who had been inhabiting the area for thousands of years. These clashes culminated in the Rogue River Indian Wars. Following an 1853 “Treaty of Peace,” the Tribes were confederated together and moved to the Table Rock Reservation in modern-day Medford. Counter to this previous agreement, in 1856 the Tribes were again displaced to the Siletz and Grand Ronde Reservations. Today, the historic Rogue Valley Tribes are represented by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, with some descendants also residing among the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

We encourage community members to take the opportunity to acknowledge the original caretakers of this land. Here are some resources to learn more about Native American tribes and how to develop your own land acknowledgment.

Native land map Guide to land acknowledgements

The history of racism in Southern Oregon

Join NBC5 for a three-part mini series covering the history of racism in southern Oregon.

Part 1

Look back at Oregon’s history with race and uncover some difficult realities.

Part 2

NBC5 breaks down the last 100 years of Oregon's history.

Part 3

Learn how minorities feel they’re treated in the Rogue Valley.

Historic sites

Southern Oregon is full of well-preserved history. Check out a few of the local historic sites in Jackson and Josephine Counties.

Golden Heritage Site

At its peak, the 19th century mining town of Golden, now a ghost town, was home to 100 people and served as a hub for many others who worked the land in more remote locations.

Historic Hanley Farm

Historic Hanley Farm, established in 1857, is a working farm in Central Point, Oregon operated by Southern Oregon Historical Society.

Historic Jacksonville

Historic Jacksonville preserves the history of structures in Jacksonville by bringing them to life through educational programming, events, and activities.

Oregon Caves

Delve into the history of Josephine County’s only national monument, including the cave’s discovery, exploration, and stewardship.

Josephine County Historical Society

Experience stories and artifacts from Josephine County’s past.

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Southern Oregon Historical Society

Explore the stories and artifacts of our common heritage.

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Dive-in to a specific subject

Eugenics in Oregon: Oregon was one of 33 states to enact eugenics law in America. Learn more through the State Library of Oregon.

Oregon Black Pioneers: Explore digital exhibits on the rich history of Black pioneers throughout Oregon.

The Takelma Tribe Today: The Takelma are a Native American people who originally lived in the Rogue Valley until they were forced to relocate in the mid-1850s.

Archives and encyclopedias

Chinese Americans in Oregon: Explore everything from the Oregon Trail and Native Americans, to the arts and archeology of Oregon. Learn about the Cantonese-Chinese during the Pioneer Period in the 1850s.