Jacksonville: History, Gardens and Trails

History and trails in Jacksonville

Jacksonville’s history and character can be explored through three specific themes to help plan your trip: the history of an inland trading and mining community, the Britt legacy, and the trails of the Jacksonville Woodlands. The Jacksonville Historic District is considered Oregon’s most extensive and complete example of a late-19th-century inland trading and mining community. In 1966, Jacksonville was recognized as one of the first officially designated National Historic Landmarks in the United States. This range of themes offers different ways to plan your stay: historic heritage, music and gardens, or outdoor trails.

Architecture and family history at Beekman House

The Beekman House Museum offers a glimpse into local history through a single building. The 1½-story Gothic Revival-style house was built between 1870 and 1876. Special 30-minute tours offer insights into the Beekman family’s lifestyle, the changes brought about by the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, and innovations in Victorian architecture and design. Costumed guides tailor their focus to guests’ interests. The stated duration gives you a specific time frame for planning your visit.

Peter Britt: Gardens, trails and music history

Peter Britt’s former home on 1st Street is now home to the Britt Festival grounds, Britt Gardens and a Jacksonville Woodlands trailhead. The Peter Britt Gardens were added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 6, 2020. The Jacksonville Woodlands have more than 16 miles of trails. As the mileage may be updated, check the current information from the responsible trail organization before planning, if needed.

The history of the Britt Music Festival began with its opening in Jacksonville on August 11, 1963. At the time, it was the only summer outdoor music festival in the Pacific Northwest. Over time, a two-week classical season grew into a four-month program that included jazz, pop, rock, bluegrass, folk, dance and musical theater. In addition, since 1985, the Britt Institute has offered music education programs for music lovers of all ages and with varying levels of experience. Festival history and music education thus offer two distinct perspectives on the Britt legacy.

Jacksonville Historic Cemetery

Jacksonville Historic Cemetery is one of the oldest pioneer cemeteries in the Pacific Northwest and has been in continuous use since its founding. Visitors can join the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery for tours, evening walks and workshops. The group also holds its annual “Meet the Pioneers” event; dates may vary. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the relevant event dates.

Different perspectives on local history

The historic sites differ in scale and timeline: the Jacksonville Historic District represents a late-19th-century inland trading and mining community, Beekman House represents a single residence and the history of the Beekman family, and the cemetery reflects continuous use since its founding. Jacksonville’s designation in 1966 and the Peter Britt Gardens’ listing in 2020, by contrast, are recognition dates. If you choose Jacksonville based on a particular interest, this can help you distinguish community history, architecture, cemetery history and music.

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For the regional travel overview: Jackson.