Rogue River Valley, Oregon - Southern Oregon is divided into three main river basins; the Umpqua River, the Rogue River, and the Klamath Basin. The Umpqua meets the Pacific at Reedsport, the Rogue mouth is near Gold Beach, and the Klamath empties at the Redwoods National Park in Northern California. All three rivers have their headwaters in the Cascade Mountains on the slopes of Crater Lake, Oregon's only national park. The Rogue River is a designated National Scenic River, and formed much of the backdrop for the Meryl Streep movie "The River Wild." Jet boat trips and white water rafting are very popular.

Rogue River Valley

Rogue River Valley, Oregon - A beautiful place to visit, a wonderful place to live. Come and find a place to call your own. Southern Oregon is a great place to own a home and grow your family.

Rogue River Valley

Search Travel Guides
Oregon Maps
Oregon History
Pioneer Days
Oregon Cavemen
Touchdown Willie
Ox and Log Wagon
Dry Diggings
July Surprise
July Surprise II
July Surprise III - END
Gold Discovery
Decline of Mining
Mercury Mining
More Oregon History

Rogue River Valley - Oregon Travel Guide

Articles from the Historical Society in Josephine County Oregon


July Surprise - The Great 4th of July Surprise of 1909

1/3

In early 1909, the Golden Drift Mining Company had abandoned their efforts at mining the Dry Diggings using the pump from their dam. Instead, an irrigation company was formed called the Chicago Rogue River Company. A local irrigation company was also formed called the Josephine County Irrigation and Power Company.

The local company and the Chicago based company had signed contracts that the Chicago Company would furnish water from their dam. The local company would dig all the ditches and maintain them each year. The local Irrigation Company obtained the right of ways, bought the digging equipment and ... Continued - Page 2

Click image for larger view

In early 1909, the Golden Drift Mining Company had abandoned their efforts at mining the Dry Diggings using the pump from their dam.

Copyright 2002-2021 TUPINC
Rogue River Valley, Oregon - The Siskiyou Mountains stretch between the Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range at the California border. The entire area is more vertical than most other parts of the state, which leads to numerous waterfalls, lots of whitewater rapids, and some spectacular scenery. Rogue River Valley is outside the main population centers of the state and the area has a very rural flavor. Major industries are tourism, wood products and agriculture. The climate is generally milder and more Mediterranean than North Western Oregon. Average rainfallis about 20 % lower and the temperatures are a bit higher.