Ashland, Oregon
According to fashionissupreme, Ashland, Oregon is a small city located in the Rogue Valley of Southwest Oregon. With a population of over 21,500 people, Ashland is the home of Southern Oregon University and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Known for its vibrant culture and natural beauty, Ashland is one of the most unique cities in Oregon.
Located in Jackson County, Ashland sits at the base of the Siskiyou Mountains and is surrounded by stunning forests and mountains. The city itself is nestled alongside Bear Creek, which runs through downtown and provides a picturesque backdrop to this beautiful city. The downtown area has become an amalgamation of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and rafting with plenty of shops, restaurants and galleries to explore.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) has been held annually since 1935 and is one of Ashland’s most popular attractions. From February to October each year OSF produces 11 plays on three different stages with performances ranging from classic works by William Shakespeare to contemporary plays by local playwrights. OSF also hosts numerous special events throughout the year such as concerts and lectures that attract visitors from all over the world.
Southern Oregon University (SOU) is another major draw for those looking to explore Ashland’s culture. Founded in 1926 as Ashland Academy it has grown into a fully accredited university offering more than 50 degree programs including arts & sciences, business & technology, education & health sciences as well as performing arts programs like theatre arts & music production engineering. SOU also offers numerous student organizations that are open to all students who want to get involved with campus life including clubs for music lovers or outdoors enthusiasts alike.
Beyond its cultural attractions, Ashland also offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities due to its location at the base of Siskiyou Mountains National Forest where visitors can enjoy hiking trails through lush forests or take a scenic drive along Highway 66 which winds around Mount Ashland providing stunning views along its path. Other outdoor activities include camping at nearby Emigrant Lake or fishing along Bear Creek which runs through downtown making it easy for locals or tourists alike to spend time outdoors enjoying nature without ever leaving town limits!
Ashland’s unique combination of culture and nature makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking for something special in Southern Oregon. Whether it’s attending an OSF performance or exploring nearby forests there are countless ways to experience this vibrant city that make it truly one-of-a-kind destination worth visiting again and again.
History of Ashland, Oregon
Ashland, Oregon is a small city located in the Rogue Valley of southwestern Oregon. It is situated at the base of the Siskiyou Mountains and is part of the greater Medford-Ashland metropolitan area. It is known for its vibrant arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and its proximity to Crater Lake National Park.
The area was first inhabited by Takelma Indians who lived in villages along the Rogue River. The first Europeans to explore the area were fur trappers led by Peter Skene Ogden in 1827. In 1852, gold was discovered in nearby Jacksonville, sparking a gold rush throughout the region. Prospectors soon arrived in Ashland and it began to develop as a commercial center for miners and pioneers passing through on their way to California or other points west.
In 1855, Abel Helman established Ashland Mills, which became an important source of goods and services for early settlers. The town was officially incorporated as Ashland Mills in 1874 and renamed Ashland on February 25th, 1884 after Henry Clay’s estate near Lexington, Kentucky.
The Southern Pacific Railroad arrived in 1886 which made it easier for settlers to travel to Ashland from other parts of Oregon and California. This influx of new residents helped spur economic growth during this period as businesses began opening up throughout town. The population continued to grow steadily throughout the 20th century with many new industries such as lumber mills popping up during this time period.
Today, Ashland is known for its thriving arts community that includes two theaters – The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) and Camelot Theatre – as well as numerous galleries showcasing local artisans’ work. In addition to its vibrant arts scene, there are plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking trails located nearby allowing visitors to explore nature while also enjoying all that Ashland has to offer culturally speaking.
Ashland continues to be a popular destination today with both locals and visitors alike due to its unique combination of culture, nature, history, artistry and business opportunities all found within this small city tucked away in southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley.
