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The Infamous Black Bird Southern Oregon History, Revised


Rich Gulch

Early, conflicting accounts of the discovery of gold in Southern Oregon. See also Jackson County News, 1850 through 1852. and Discovery of Gold in Josephine County.
   

Keep in mind that in the early newspaper mentions below the terms "Rogue River mines" and "Klamath mines" are unreliable. Until the middle 1850s editors often confused the two rivers.

Miners, Reminiscences of an Old Timer, 1889
Reminiscences of an Old Timer, 1889

    In 1841 the exploring expedition of Commodore Wilkes visited the coast, and its mineralogist, James D. Dana, made a trip overland from the Columbia River, by way of the Willamette and Sacramento valleys to San Francisco Bay, and in the following year he published a book on mineralogy, and mentioned in it that gold was found in the Sacramento Valley, and that rocks similar to those of the auriferous formations were observed in southern Oregon. Dana did not regard his discovery as of any practical value, and if he said anything about it in California no one paid any attention to it.
Letters from the Secretary of the Treasury Transmitting a Report Upon the Mineral Resources of the States and Territories West of the Rocky Mountains, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1867, page 14


    In the year 1842, James D. Dana, A.M., in his System of Mineralogy, page 552 (first edition), says:--"The gold rocks and veins of quartz were observed by the author in 1842, near the Umpqua River, in Southern Oregon, and pebbles from similar rocks were met with along the shores of the Sacramento, in California, and the resemblance to other gold districts was remarked, but there was no opportunity of exploring the country at the time."
G.M.E., "The True History of the Various Discoveries of Gold in California," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, June 29, 1854, page 2


    [Gold] is thus known to exist throughout a region of country of more than six hundred miles in extent, and it probably extends into Oregon.
"The Discovery of the Mines," California Herald, New York City, December 26, 1848, page 2


    Gold was discovered for the first time in Oregon near Gold Hill on January 19, 1849.
"Oregon Firsts," Oregon Oddities and Items of Interest, vol. 2, no. 6, Works Progress Administration, 1939, page 3  I would dearly love to know the source for this extraordinarily precise tidbit.


    My object in now writing to you is to give you information of the vast gold mines in California, and which are found to extend into Oregon. How much farther north gold will be found, no one can tell; but it is thought by all that the mine borders the whole Pacific Coast. It has already been discovered four hundred miles in length, and one hundred in breadth--extending within a few days' ride of our settlements, rendering it a very easy matter to go and dig when we choose.
H. Campbell, letter from Oregon City, Illinois Journal, Springfield, October 16, 1849, page 2



    We have conversed with several who have returned from the California mines, and all agree in ascribing a striking similarity in the geological character of several portions of Eastern and Southern Oregon and the gold regions of California, and they all unite in confident opinion that gold will be found in great abundance in Oregon.
"Oregon," Alton Telegraph & Democratic Review, Alton, Illinois, September 7, 1849, page 1. Quoted from the Oregon Spectator.


    A letter of November 11, [1849], from a gentleman who went to San Francisco, then changed his mind and went to Oregon, where he seems highly pleased, says . . .
    There are about thirty houses at this place (Portland), five stores, and it bids fair to be a town of importance. Many merchants from Salem, Oregon City and Linn City come here for goods, and there is an extensive back country thickly settled. Next spring there will be a grand rush to Rogue River and the Umpqua, where gold has been discovered, and I hope we shall have the benefit of it.
"Interesting Oregon Affairs," The Sun, Baltimore, Maryland, February 13, 1850, page 1



GOLD IN SOUTHERN OREGON
Well-Known Pioneer Tells of Discoveries in 1849.

    NORTH YAMHILL, Or., Jan. 20.--(To the Editor.)--I notice in a letter published in yesterday's Daily Oregonian, copied from the Ashland Tidings, that someone, in giving an account of the first discovery of gold in Southern Oregon, places the time in the fall of 1851. I am quite sure that gold was known to exist in the Rogue River at least two years earlier than the fall of 1851. In the latter part of August or first part of September, 1849, a party, with pack animals, left the Willamette Valley to go over the trail to the California gold mines, the writer, then a lad 10 years old, being one of the party. We proceeded up the Willamette Valley and through the Umpqua Valley to the north end of what was then called "the canyon." Here we laid over, waiting for additions to our party, as it was considered unsafe at that time, on account of the hostility of the Rogue River Indians, to attempt to pass through their country in small parties. We laid over a few days until our party had increased to the number of 28, when we proceeded on our journey, fording the Rogue River at what was called Perkins' ferry. Proceeding up Rogue River we camped one night a mile or two below what was then called "Point of Rocks," but now I think known as Rock Point. This was considered the most dangerous place on the trail for attacks from Indians.
    After passing Point of Rocks, next morning, we concluded to stop and prospect on the Rogue River. Turning to the left, leaving the trail, we went up the river toward Table Rock, two or three miles, camped and laid over that day, and some of our party prospected on the bars of the river and found gold. We never thought of stopping there to mine, as we had started for the gold mines of California, and the next morning we proceeded on our journey. Previous to this, on our way up the South Umpqua, we had prospected for gold on the river bars, and had also found it there, I think somewhere near the mouth of Myrtle Creek.
    Now, after the lapse of more than 50 years, I recall the names of a number of persons who were in the party, as follows: From Tualatin County (Washington), Norman Martin, Norman Smith and Martin Bridgefarmer. From Yamhill County, T. B. Hutt, Kendrel Dobbins, A. McBuck, James Mills ---- Comegys, H. H. Hyde, Dan Craft, J. H. Hawley and Jephtha Walling. From Polk County, Perry Smith, Ira Townsend, John Pigg and William Pigg. From Linn County, Mr. Neil, Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Wright.
    If any of the persons above named are still living, they will no doubt readily recall the facts as I have here stated them.
LEE LAUGHLIN.
Oregonian, Portland, January 21, 1900, page 5


    . . . gold has been found in several places, in sufficient quantity to induce the belief that there are mines, perhaps extensive ones, of this precious metal within the borders of our territory. . . .
Governor Joseph Lane, Message to the Oregon Legislature, Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, December 13, 1849, page 4


    Things in Oregon are much the same as when I last wrote. Everything is very high. About one-half or three-fourths of the male population will go to Rogues River, about 300 miles south of this, to dig gold in the spring. I shall not go. If I had no particular employment I might; but I will not throw away a sure dollar for a chance of two.
G. B. Goudy, "Letter from Oregon," dated February 25, 1850, Davenport Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, June 13, 1850, page 1



    In the spring of 1850 I prospected as far north as Yreka and had considerable trouble with the Shasta Indians. Soon afterward I crossed the Siskiyou Mountains into Oregon and went down on Rogue River. The prospecting party consisted of Luther Hasbrouck, Nathan Giles, Moses Dusenberry, George Wells, Henry Lawrence, John Collins, John Twentyman and Captain Jennings.
First Mining in Oregon.
    The first mining in Oregon was at Big Bar, near Rock Point, on Rogue River, in Jackson County, in 1850. This was in the middle of May, and the first placer mining in Southern Oregon. The diggings did not prove good, and the prospectors went down Rogue River until they came to a small stream since called Applegate Creek. Not finding gold in paying quantities on this creek, they followed the creek to its head, crossed the Siskiyou Range into California, and came down to what at that time was called the Big Bar, on Klamath River. At this point they worked for two weeks. Not being satisfied here with the diggings--which paid one-half of an ounce per day--the party went down Klamath River until it came to a small stream which was named Indian Creek, many Indians camping there. We prospected this creek to its head, but not finding sufficient gold to pay, we crossed the Siskiyou Mountains again into Oregon and what is known now as Josephine County. We discovered a river which we followed down until it went into a canyon. We named this river Illinois, it running through Illinois Valley.
    We first camped on the north side of the Illinois River, then crossed to the south side, and went down the river until we came to a small stream putting into what is now called Illinois River, which was afterward named Josephine Creek, after a daughter of Mr. Magruder, who came in that same summer, 1850.
First Gold Washed Out.
    Josephine Creek was found to be very rich, paying one to two ounces per day. Luther Hasbrouck washed the first pan of dirt on this creek, and it averaged 50¢ to the pan, and washed 16 pans. It was in July 1850 [Hasbrouck is off by a year], and was the first discovery of gold in Josephine County, and our party composed the first white men in the Illinois Valley.
Luther Hasbrouck, "Discovery of Gold in Southern Oregon," Sunday Oregonian, Portland, August 24, 1902, page 21


    Gen. Adair, the collector of the customs for the Territory of Oregon, informs me that large numbers of the Oregonians were leaving for Rogue River (150 miles south of the Columbia), and that some had returned and reported that there is lots of the "oro" on that river.
"Letter from California" dated March 31, Morning Courier, Louisville, Kentucky, May 16, 1850, page 2


    FROM OREGON.--A letter from Oregon City, dated March 9th last, and published in the New York Tribune, says:
    It has now been ascertained beyond a doubt that gold may be obtained in the valley of Rogue River. This valley is healthy, and much nearer the settled portion of Oregon than the gold mines of California. These circumstances have induced very many of our people to propose working these recently discovered diggings. Few persons, therefore, will put in spring crops. Breadstuffs, at least, must then necessarily be high.
North American, Philadelphia, May 29, 1850, page 1


    It is ascertained that gold may be obtained in the valley of Rogue River. This valley is healthy, and is nearer the settled portion of Oregon than the gold mines of California. These circumstances have induced very many of our people to propose working these recently discovered diggings. Few persons, therefore, will put in spring crops. Breadstuffs, at least, must then necessarily be high.
"Further from Oregon," Vicksburg Weekly Whig, Vicksburg, Mississippi, June 19, 1850, page 1


    While our citizens have been quietly preparing to go to Rogue River to dig for gold this summer, they have been aroused to unusual excitement by the discovery of a rich mine in another direction [in the Spokane country]. . . .
    We suppose that there will also be a considerable mining business done this season on the rivers along the southern border of Oregon, as many persons who have been to California have convinced themselves that Rogue River and other streams in that vicinity will afford profitable "diggings."
"Gold in Oregon!" Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, May 30, 1850, page 2


Gov. Lane and Rogue River Gold.
    Gov. Lane has gone to the Rogue River to negotiate, if possible, a treaty with the Indians in that region, preparatory to working the gold mines there. It is the Governor's intention to explore that section of Oregon pretty thoroughly with reference to its mineral resources.
Oregon Spectator,
Oregon City, May 30, 1850, page 2



    Reports from Rogue River represent gold as very abundant upon that stream.
"Gold in Oregon," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, June 18, 1850, page 2


    News from the gold mines comes in slowly. We learn that Gov. Lane has gone on to Rogue River. The washings on South Umpqua yielded a fair remuneration to the industrious. It was confidently believed, however, that Rogue River would pay much better, and most of the companies have passed on to that river.
"News from the Gold Mines,"
Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, June 27, 1850, page 2


News from the Gold Mines.
    Persons have come in from the Rogue River country who are confident that gold may be found there in considerable quantities, though the waters were still too high to "prospect" satisfactorily. Gold, however, was found. Gov. Lane, not finding things to suit him on Rogue River, after negotiating a treaty of peace with the Rogue River Indians had gone on to Trinity, on his way to California.
Oregon Spectator,
Oregon City, July 25, 1850, page 3


    By arrival of steamer Carolina three days from Astoria, and four days from Fort Vancouver, we have advices from Oregon. We learn that Gov. Lane and party, whose departure to Rogue River has been previously announced, had been unsuccessful in his explorations for gold in that region, and had proceeded to the Umpqua.
"Oregon News," Sacramento Transcript, August 9, 1850, page 2


    We expect and predict that one of the first commercial cities of our state will grow up with a rapidity characteristic of California growth, on the Bay of Humboldt, whose arms shall grasp the gold hills of Northern California and Southern Oregon, and even stretch to the teeming plains which lie beyond the range of hills that raise their heads above her embosomed home.
"Humboldt Bay--Its Destiny," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, August 12, 1850, page 2


    Gen. Lane, the Governor of Oregon, had left the city on the 1st of June with seventy-five Klickitat Indians and a few regulars for Rogue River, on an exploring expedition, and also for the purpose of making a treaty with the Rogue River Indians, who have lately been committing robberies and depredations on the emigrants. Gen. Lane's party had proceeded as far as the South Fork of the Umpqua River, where gold dust was discovered in quantities on the bars of the river. Here the party stopped and went to mining. As they had but few utensils, however, they only averaged about ten dollars per day. Great excitement prevailed in Oregon in regard to the flattering rumors of the existence of great quantities of gold in the Spokane country, north of the Columbia, which had been confirmed. Great quantities had left for the mines.
"From Oregon," Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, August 21, 1850, page 2


    Our last accounts from Oregon represent those who have returned from the gold diggings on Rogue River well satisfied with the result of their labors.
Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, August 21, 1850, page 3


    Mr. Jesse Applegate had brought some specimens of gold dust from the South Umpqua, where he represents the diggin's [as] highly profitable. The gold is in small scales, mingled with a large proportion, say one-tenth, of platinum, in little particles the size of a mustard seed.
"California and Oregon News," Daily Ohio Statesman, Columbus, Ohio, August 29, 1850, page 2


    OREGON GOLD MINES.--The Alta California publishes a letter from a reputable source, which gives some further particulars of the discovery of gold in Oregon. We make the following extract:
ST. HELENS, May 29th, 1850.
    . . . Reports from Rogue River represent gold as very abundant on that stream. . . .
Sacramento Transcript, June 20, 1850, page 2


    Mr. YULEE. I will now offer an amendment [to the Donation Land Claim Act], to which I presume there will be no objection. The gold region extends into Oregon, and I presume it is not the purpose of the Senate to grant the mineral lands in these proposed bounties. I propose to except them. The amendment I offer is this:
    "Provided, That no mineral lands shall be located or granted under the provisions of this act."

Congressional Globe, Senate debate of September 17, 1850, pages 1846-1847


    A DISCOVERY!--Capt. Ottinger, on the Laura Virginia, has made a trip to the mouth of Rogue River. This schooner was the first vessel that ever entered the mouth of that river. He was surprised to find there an English party, who had squatted upon both banks of the stream, and the islands in the river--which they very modestly claimed as their property. One of the party of the Laura Virginia, regarding the advantages and appearance of the country, found a spot not claimed, and which the English supposed was a swamp, and at once struck down his preemption stakes. Gold has been found on the upper branches of this river, and may be found down to its mouth.
Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, August 5, 1850, page 2



    Rogue River is also still attracting some attention on account of its probable golden treasures. Another large party have started for that river this week, with the hope of doing better than working here for $10 per day. Whether these enterprising adventurers succeed, or not, the character and qualities of the country will be brought into notice, and good will result. All the signs of the times indicate the speedy settlement of the southern part of Oregon.
"Umpqua River," Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, September 5, 1850, page 2


    Persons have come in from the Rogue River country, who are confident that gold may be found there in considerable quantities, though the waters were still too high to "prospect" satisfactorily. Gold, however, was found.
"Later from Oregon," Albany Evening Journal, New York, September 23, 1850, page 2


    Persons have come in from the Rogue River country, who are confident that gold may be found in considerable quantities, though the waters were still too high to "prospect" satisfactorily. Gold, however, was found. Gov. Lane, not finding things to suit him on Rogue River, after negotiating a treaty of peace with the Rogue River Indians, had gone on to Trinity on his way to California.
"From Oregon," Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, October 2, 1850, page 2


    The late discovered mines on the waters of Rogue River are occupying some 200 this winter & will be likely to call the attention of vast nos. from the Willamette next season.
Indian Agent H. H. Spalding to Superintendent of Indian Affairs Anson Dart, December 9, 1850, in Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 12; Letters Received 1848-1852, 1850 No. 35.


    The [New York] Tribune of September 26th announces the arrival of Judge O. C. Pratt. His friends here will be rejoiced to learn of his fortunate escape from the cholera, which was cutting off many all around him prior to and whilst at the Isthmus. Judge Pratt informs the Tribune that
there is not gold enough in Oregon to pay emigrants for coming here--that it is confined principally to the Umpqua Valley and Rogue River. We have no inducements in the way of rich gold deposits to offer the future emigrants, but we have good soil and a healthy climate, which is more reliable, more precious than gold--yeah, than fine gold.
Oregon Spectator,
Oregon City, December 12, 1850, page 2


    Every company that went through by land to California washed gold on Rogue River and south of Umpqua, but having provision barely sufficient to take them through, had not time to examine, only on the road, and at the crossings of the streams. They all agree that the face of the country looks like the California gold region; the bare hills, red earth and slate rock, and that they found it as plenty as they could in California at the same stage of water. This summer there is to be a general search, by companies who are now forming for that purpose. It may be a failure, but if they succeed it will attract a great concourse of people there, who will all have to be supplied from this valley, which will make farming and teaming a better business than mining, and make the whole rush of immigration flow towards the upper end of this valley, and the Umpqua, and even to Rogue River (which is a beautiful country), if the Indians can be subdued as to be safe for settlers. They are a strong nation, stout and bold, and very hostile to the whites, and will fight harder against a company locating themselves there than against companies passing, a great many of whom they have attacked, and nearly all of them they have shot cattle and stole horses from. The exploring company must go very strong and keep a strong guard.
Robert Houston of Linn County, "Letter from Oregon," Logansport Journal, Logansport, Indiana, March 22, 1851, page 1



    KLAMATH AND SHASTA MINES.--Mr. Geo. E. Frazer has written a letter to the Oregonian, dated the 3rd of May, relative to the above mines, from which we glean some interesting facts. Persons at work on Rogue River and vicinity were making from six to eight dollars per day, on an average. . . .
Sacramento Daily Union, May 18, 1851, page 2


Oregon Correspondence.
Umpqua Valley, Oregon, April 22nd, 1851.
    Gentlemen:--Allow me to call your attention for a moment to Southern Oregon. It is not my intention to dwell upon the fertility of its soil--the beauty of its scenery--the grandeur of its forests--the purity of its waters, or the salubrity of its climate. It is generally allowed, I believe, to possess all these advantages. But in addition to all these, recent disclosures have satisfactorily shown that Rogue River is as rich in gold diggings as the Klamath, and the most intelligent men among us think that the Umpqua will prove equally fertile in gold. The distance from Scott's Bay, the head of schooner navigation on the Umpqua, to the mining regions on Rogue River is from seventy-five to ninety miles, with a fine road through the whole distance. Indeed, the route runs through the finest portion of Oregon, almost the entire way being over a level prairie. The mining region of the Umpqua and its tributaries is not more than fifty or sixty miles from Scottsburg. Goods and supplies can be easily transported on the route, and the miner will soon be able to obtain his supplies at a low rate.
    Scottsburg is at least 175 miles nearer the Rogue River mines than either Oregon City or Portland, on the Willamette, and the road from this point is as good as the Willamette. Indeed, our road intersects with the road leading from Portland to Rogue and Klamath rivers at a distance of only thirty-five miles from Scottsburg. The demand for goods will be very great during the present season, and mules, horses and cattle are needed for transportation, as the supply in Oregon is not sufficient for the demand.
    I believe that all who are competent to form any opinion on the subject say that the entrance to the Umpqua is as safe and easy of access as any that can be found on this coast to the north of San Francisco. There are three and one-half fathoms water on the bar at low tide, and large vessels find no difficulty in getting in the harbor.
In haste, yours,
    Joseph W. Drew
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 10, 1851, page 2


    One day in April 1851 it became noised about the many mining camps scattered along the Northern California streams that rich diggings had been discovered in Oregon. Within 24 hours 600 men were on their way to Jackson County, which at that time comprised all Southern Oregon. These excited gold seekers crossed the Siskiyou Mountains near Ashland. Here the human stream broke, and the miners scattered into all parts of the Rogue River Valley. News had reached the Willamette Valley, too, of the gold strike in Southern Oregon, and the immigrants there let go their newly acquired farms and rushed south, eager to share in the riches of the Oregon bonanza.
    The first discovery of gold in Oregon was made on Josephine Creek, during the month of May, 1851. The next discovery was on Canyon Creek, a tributary to the former stream. The first rush of miners was to these two creeks. A few weeks later gold was discovered in Scott's and Allen gulches, at what is now known as Waldo. The discovery was made by a number of sailors, who abandoned their ships, harbored at Crescent City, and joined the crowd of seekers in the Rogue River Valley.
"Gold Stampede to Oregon," Sumpter Miner, Sumpter, Oregon, July 31, 1901, page 5


    The first discovery of gold in Oregon was made on Josephine Creek, which is now located in the western part of Josephine County, and which was named in honor of Josephine Rollins, a young girl who came with her father into the Oregon diggings during the early days. The first discovery was made May 2, 1851. Gold was next found on Canyon Creek, near Josephine Creek, both of which are tributary to the Illinois River. The third discovery was made at Waldo, also on the Illinois, which was called the "sailor diggings," from the fact of the discovery having been made by a band of sailors who heard of the rich gold fields in the Oregon country and deserted their ship at Crescent City and crossed the mountains into the new fields to return later loaded with treasure.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, May 29, 1925, page B1 Judging from this and the following paragraphs, the 1901 Sumpter Miner story, above, was a major source for this article.


The Mines and Miners of Oregon.
    It is not, as a general thing, known by our citizens that Oregon has beyond question rich gold mines, and that there is a perfect gold fever pervading the whole community there, particularly that of the Willamette Valley. We are informed by Gen. McCarver, who has just arrived from Oregon, that at least one half of the people of the Territory have left the farms and towns and have gone or are going to the mines. These mines are but a continuation of the Californian mines. But little is known, it is true, with regard to the northern boundary line of the state, but wherever it lies, there can be no doubt that the mines of the South Fork of the Umpqua and those of Rogue River are in Oregon.
    The streets of Oregon City and Portland are at the present time filled with pack animals and wagons which are continually loading up and pushing off for the mines. These towns present in their bustle and their general aspect at the present time very much the appearance of our Californian supply towns.
    The miners on their way pass up the Willamette Valley to the dividing ridge between that and the Umpqua, over the ridge and down upon the South Fork of the Umpqua, or, keeping on, they cross the dividing ridge between the Umpqua and Rogue River valleys and so down on to Rogue River.
    At the last advices there were at least a hundred wagons and several hundred miners waiting at the canyon between the Umpqua and Rogue River valleys, on account of the high water. So soon as the stream falls they will pass through.
    Such is the feeling in relation to the Oregon mines that the Oregonian comes out in a leading article praying all Californians who have the interests of the Territory at heart to remain upon their farms. The argument it uses is after the style of the proverb "Money is the root of all evil." We imagine, however, if money is the root of all evil, the want of it is a pretty important branch thereof.
Sacramento Transcript, May 8, 1851, page 2


    OREGON PLACERS.--The intelligence from the mines is rather encouraging than otherwise. Quite a large number have returned from the mines, or, rather, gave up the trip before they arrived there, having become disheartened at the bad state of the roads, and the unsettled weather that caused them. Gen. Lane reports rather favorably of the mines. He says that the most of the miners, by proper exertion, can make from $6 to $12 per day. There are some instances where men do much better. The General is opinion that the mines in Oregon and California, the Shasta and Klamath diggings, will pay well for the next fifty years. There is a large scope of country in that part of Oregon that is decidedly rich. But the greatest obstacle in the way is the want of protection going there in the Rogue River country, those Indians having sworn eternal hostility to the whites. Several persons have been brutally murdered lately by the savages near what is generally known as the Umpqua Canyon. [Spectator.
New York Tribune, June 23, 1851, page 6  Abridged from the Spectator of May 8, 1851, page 2


    New diggings between Rogue River and the Klamath were discovered some 15 days ago, at which the miners are said to be making out well.
Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, June 19, 1851, page 2


    LATEST FROM THE MINES.--A gentleman arrived here last evening, ten days from the Shasta mines, and eight days from the Rogue River country. He reports that the Indians are very hostile, and avail themselves of every opportunity to murder and rob. Four additional murders had been committed near Rogue River.
    New diggings had been discovered on Rogue River, which are said to pay better than the Shasta mines. About three hundred miners came on with him to work them, and about one hundred came through to the valley.

Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, June 20, 1851, page 2


The First Gold Discovery.
    The first discovery of gold in Oregon was made on Josephine Creek, which is located in the western part of Josephine County, then Jackson County, and which was named in honor of Josephine Rollins, a young girl who came with her father into the Oregon diggings during the early days. The first discovery was made May 2, 1851. Gold was next found on Canyon Creek, near Josephine Creek, both of which are tributary to the Illinois River. The third discovery was made at Waldo, also on the Illinois, which was called the "Sailor Diggings," from the fact of the discovery having been made by a band of sailors who heard of the rich gold fields in the Oregon country and deserted their ships at Crescent City and crossed the mountains into the new fields, to return later loaded with treasure. The gold seekers swarmed every creek and gulch in Southern Oregon, and the gravel of each and all were found to be rich with the yellow metal. With rocker and pan millions were cradled from the auriferous and shallow bars.--Grants Pass Herald.
Oregon Statesman,
Salem, July 25, 1905, page 2  The source of this article is
the July 31, 1901 Sumpter Miner story, above.


    New diggings had been discovered on Rogue River, before hostilities broke out, which yield as well as the choicest mines.
"Later from Oregon," Portage Sentinel, Ravenna, Ohio, August 11, 1851, page 3


Gold Digging in Oregon Territory.
From the Boston Globe.
Shasta Valley, Friday, June 20, 1851.
    We arrived here after twenty days' travel from Trinidad, each of us four with a mule loaded with provisions, tools &c. Two of the party have gone to Rogue River, five days' further travel. We have a comfortable tent, and enjoy good health. We work hard. Our mode of operation is this: We dig holes about six by ten feet, and six or seven feet deep; the last three feet is in water; it takes one to bail out while the others dig and throw out. The dirt, till you come to the rock, is valueless; there is often a little clay on the rock, and if the rock is soft, an inch or two of the rock will contain gold. This is pecked up with a pickaxe, shoveled out, and washed in a machine. The dust is collected and washed in a pan, and separated from the sand. In other diggings about here, the top of the earth is dug up from one to two feet deep, and carted to the water--some of it a mile. This sand pays from five to six cents a bucket. It is hard digging, being clay and stone. Occasionally one meets with something better. Some of the first comers found something handsome.
    There are about one thousand people in this neighborhood. Many hundreds left for Rogue River a few days since, and some have returned. We pay for pork here 75¢ per lb.; bacon and butter the same; flour 40¢; sugar 50¢ per lb.; milk 50¢ per quart; nails $1.50 per lb.; ink $1; shoes $4; boots $10-$16 per pair; fresh beef only 25¢ per lb. The trouble with the Indians has ceased. It was caused by the whites shooting some of them, many think unjustly. I am now alone, with a good tent, and as comfortable as I can be here. I have never seen worse traveling, nor a rougher part of the world than we came over, but it appears healthy. I attempted to make some minutes of the journey, but owing to circumstances and the kind of people I was with, I had to give it up. Since they left I do much better.
    The position of this country is such that I can only judge that the latitude is about 43°, and about 300 miles distant from Portland, Oregon Territory, and from Trinidad and Sacramento about 325 miles, and not far from the longitude of 120° west. In our route from Trinidad we passed the Salmon River at the Forks, and passed up its middle fork, over what is called the Divi Divi, into Scotts Valley, then into Shasta Valley. There is quite a settlement of tents and log huts, and is called Shasta Plains. The scenery is pleasant, surrounded by high and lofty mountains. The high mountain of Shasta Butte is plainly in sight, bearing S.E. about 25 miles distant. The snow is lying about on the mountains, but the weather is getting warm. Now [that] I am here, I shall try if plowing gold is better than plowing the sea.
New York Times, October 1, 1851, page 3


    As a general thing, the men have resorted to industrious pursuits, and engaged themselves in the manufacturing of shingles, cutting and preparing piles for shipment, and prospecting the country in the vicinity of all the small streams for gold. . . . This kind of employment will continue for a few days longer and then another expedition for opening a trail to the Shasta mines will be fitted out under the direction of Mr. [William G. T'Vault]. This gentleman was employed by the United States government as guide for the company of rifles under the command of Captain Stuart, who recently marched through the Indian country from Oregon to California. We have the utmost confidence in the ability of Mr. T. as being every way qualified to conduct a party in an enterprise of this character. It is the intention of the party to prospect all the streams over which they pass, and I have no doubt but what they will make some discoveries that will comprise no small degree of interest. In my next I anticipate imparting something of more importance.
    For the present, adieu.                                         CLINTON.
"Our Port Orford Correspondence," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, August 26, 1851, page 2


    FROM OREGON.--We have files of Oregon papers to the 7th of August--the midst of what is called "the dry season." The farmers around Portland were busy harvesting. The crops were abundant. The Portland Times says that notwithstanding many persons went to the mines last year, there has been much cultivation, and there will be a large surplus of produce after supplying the home market.
    The same paper says that the mines of Oregon appear to be paying well, both the Shasta diggings and those at Rogue River sending in good quantities of gold dust.
Daily Republic, Buffalo, New York, September 23, 1851, page 2


    The mines of Oregon appear to be paying tolerably well. We have heard of good diggings on Rogue River, while the gold dust scatters in from the Shasta diggings. In the Shasta mines there is a scarcity of water in the dry season, but it is expected that the miners will get a rich harvest this fall and winter.
"Oregon--Things in General," Gallipolis Journal, Gallipolis, Ohio, October 16, 1851, page 2



GOLD IN SOUTHERN OREGON.
Its "First Discovery" Attributed to Men Named Bills.

Correspondence of Ashland Tidings.
    It has been published and republished, iterated and reiterated some thousands of times, that James Clugage and James Poole in passing through the valley, from the Willamette to California, in the fall of 1851, camped on Rich Gulch, within the present corporate limits of Jacksonville, and that while in camp Mr. Poole did some prospecting with a pan and made the discovery. Nobody disputes the prospecting by Mr. Poole, or the finding of gold, but was this the first discovery in Southern Oregon? The purpose of this paper is to show that it was not.
    Mr. David Linn, who has lived in Jacksonville since early in the spring of 1852, and whose word is as good as his bond, says he left Oregon City in the fall of 1851 in company with Wesley McGanigal, a man with whom he had just crossed the plains. They walked from Oregon City to Salem, and bought their outfit and two ponies. They packed the ponies and started on foot for California. Arriving at Canyonville, they found the town to consist of one log cabin, and no modern adjunct in the shape of a real estate agent to boom the prospects of the place and offer corner lots at bankrupt prices. The two men stopped here a short time for reinforcements, as it was considered dangerous for so small a party to travel through the Rogue River country. The next day after their arrival a party of three men came along, going to California, and together the five pursued their journey south, leaving Canyonville the morning of October 23, 1851. Mr. Linn remembers the date distinctly on account of it being his birthday. The party went through the Canyon in a day, and camped at Hardy Elliff's. Judge Skinner and party were there on their way to Rogue River, where Mr. Skinner was to take up his residence as Indian agent. The five men continued their journey on the 29th, leaving the Skinner party, who had ox teams, which would travel too slow for the packers.
    On the 1st or 2nd day of November the party arrived at Perkins' ferry, on Rogue River. There were three or four men at the ferry, and they had built a stockade to protect themselves against the Indians. They advised the party not to cross the river until reinforced, as the Indians were hostile and had killed a number of persons up in the valley a few days before. The party, however, crossed the river, and went about two miles and camped for the night in a secluded bend in the river. The next morning, after starting out, they met a man on horseback, whom McGanigal recognized as an old schoolmate by the name of Bills. After greeting each other, Bills requested us to camp about a half mile south of the rocky point, a noted place for Indians to attack travelers, and that he would return in the evening, as he was only going to Perkins' ferry for some boards to cover his cabin. About sundown Bills returned, and McGanigal went with him up the river to Big Bar, and there found young Bills' father. They were engaged in mining, and had apparently been there for some time.
    When McGanigal returned to camp he was greatly excited. He said there were thousands of Indians up there, but that young Bills and his father told him the Indians would not disturb the party, and that they could pursue their journey in safety. In passing up through the valley, the only evidence of civilization met was a log enclosure, four or five logs high at the back and one log in front, the sides tapering from the back to the front and forming a sort of scoop-shaped camp, without covering. There were some blankets and other things in the camp, indicating that someone was stopping there, but the party saw no one. This was at the Willow Springs. When the party arrived near where the flouring mill ditch crosses the county road above Phoenix, they came across three packers who had been killed by the Indians and thrown together, and the flour sacks cut open and the flour poured over them. As assured by the two Bills, the five reached Yreka without being molested.
    Your correspondent expects this statement to call out a strong protest, if not a vigorous attack, because when an idea concerning any important matter or event becomes crystallized in the public mind, it becomes a sort of cherished memory, and if the idol is shattered or its foundations shaken, somebody is sure to kick.
Oregonian, Portland, January 19, 1900, page 6


    The Oregonian has been shown some fine specimens of gold-bearing quartz, from the Shasta mines, which from appearance are as rich as any in California. This quartz is said to be abundant through the Shasta and Rogue River mines. If so, it will prove a most profitable business as soon as the requisite machinery can be obtained for working it.
Sacramento Daily Union, December 31, 1851, page 2


    The Indians are quite friendly on Rogue River, yet they occasionally steal when a favorable opportunity presents. The agent, Mr. Skinner, has made his location near Table Rock. I called to see him at his residence and found him to be a very intelligent gentleman. He is exerting a good influence, as an agent, over the Indians. The Rogue River Valley is settling very fast; some twenty claims have been taken already and houses built; many are busily engaged in plowing; large quantities of stock are on the valley; grass fine, and everything seems to be moving on favorably and quietly.
J. C. Bell, "From the Mines," letter from Salem dated January 10, Oregonian, Portland, January 17, 1852, page 2  Bell was in the Rogue Valley the first week of January--and no gold rush yet.


    Anson Dart, Esq., U.S. Indian Agent at Oregon, is now at Washington, upon official business. He has brought with him several new pieces of cedar plank, some beautiful specimens of wild flax, which is exceedingly plentiful in that territory, and of fine quality, and several small lumps of gold from the south fork of Rogue River.
Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, January 16, 1852, page 3


    On the 7th of last February the first blanket house was erected here; now there are thirty or more houses, and occupied extensively as a camping and trading place. The miners are reported to be very successful. The report of $400 per day for one claim, and from $1,500 to $2,000 per week for another, reminded us strongly of California.
"The Journal of Rev. W. Roberts," Vermont Christian Messenger, Northfield, Vermont, May 18, 1853, page 1


From the Crescent City Herald, Dec., 1855.
    Jacksonville, Or., was located by miners and traders in the month of February, 1852, and contains a population of 800, about one-tenth of the population of Jackson County.
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, June 3, 1893, page 1


    I should have stated that, whilst we were traveling through the Umpqua and Rogue River valleys [in April 1849], we made it strictly our business to look for gold in every likely-looking place. This gave us a chance also to examine other qualities of this country, and in our investigations we found considerable gold, both on the Umpqua and Rogue rivers. I should also state that, from the prospects of gold above mentioned, the people of Oregon are at this time all on tiptoe, and making great preparations to open those mines this spring.
Benjamin C. Cleaver, "Gold in Oregon," Illinois Daily Journal, Springfield, August 1, 1850, page 2


    Gold was discovered in Jacksonville by James R. Poole (partner of Clugage), a packer, as he was hunting his mule in December 1851. In February following the first house was built by Kenney & Appler for a store.

Mrs. R. M. McDonough and Elizabeth T'Vault Kenney, letter of November 26, 1899


    The Jacksonville mines was discovered early in the spring of 1852 by James Clugage and James Poole. They were engaged in packing to the Yreka, Cal. mines. They camped near Judge Skinner's place on Bear Creek. Their mules strayed from camp and while in search of their mules one of them whilst taking a drink of water out of the gulch discovered gold in the stream. This is Rich Gulch and [it] runs through Jacksonville.

David Linn, letter of December 25, 1899


    ROGUE RIVER.--On the 7th inst., intelligence was received in Shasta Valley of gold discoveries on Rogue River, near the Oregon trail. The claims on that portion of the river are said to be marvelously rich. Full confidence has been placed in the news from these mines. On the 9th, at least five hundred persons had left Shasta Valley for the Rogue River mines.
Weekly Shasta Courier, Shasta, California, March 20, 1852, page 2



Winchester Umpqua
    March 17th 1852
Hon. Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir, I will take this opportunity of writing to you a few lines. First I beg leave of you to give you a little information in regard to the unsettled affairs of the Indians of this valley and Grave Creek. The Canion and Grave Creek Indians are still at their old game, that is, stealing, and for which there is but one remedy for to prevent this. The first is to appoint an agent and let him locate himself on the South Umpqua River and then purchase their lands from them. Furthermore a military force is greatly wanted in the vicinity of the Rogue River Valley.
    I have just arrived from the Klamath mines. Business is very dull for traders, but good for miners. There are some new mines discovered near the Willow Springs. The first company made for some time fifty or sixty dollars per day, but upon an average five or six.
    There is no section of country in which an Indian agent is wanted more than from the mouth of the Umpqua River to Grave Creek, distance of about one hundred and fifty miles. The extent of the country you are well aware of. And permit me to ask of your honor and your influence for an Indian agent for the above-named portion of the Territory which I spoke of.
    My politics are with you, and if you think it expedient I will send you a petition for an Indian agency. I will send you one well recommended. I have been a citizen of Oregon for six and a half years.
    I have had many difficulties with them. I am acquainted with their manner and custom. There is one thing more wanted in Oregon, that is, a military road through the Territory of Oregon to the state of California commencing somewhere on the Columbia River and striking the head of the Sacramento Valley.
    I will further state to you the necessity of the donation of lands to settlers, those who immigrated before the year [omission?], who understand all the privations that men could undergo.
    There are many young men that are not situated as to live on when they richly deserve it and at the same time they have money to pay for it.
    I will ask permission to say to you that since I began to write Jos. Lane and Capt. I. B. Nichols has arrived from Cow Creek on this side of the Canion and bring the latest news from the Rogue River Valley. Capt. Nichols tells me that the Indians are making divers threats and have carried some of them into execution.
    The best mode of remedy is to call for two companies of rangers. Those two companies may be easily raised in Oregon, which mode of remedy has been suggested to me by some of our most worthy citizens. I shall soon leave for the Klamath mines, and on my return I [will] write you again with pleasure.
    You will answer me on those points which I mention.
I remain yours with
    Respect obedient friend
        Daniel P. Barnes
Hon. Genl. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


March 22, 1852
   
Many people are moving away to Rogue River, north of here in Oregon, about 3 days travel from here, where one hears and believes that very rich mines have been discovered. It is thought that soon a city will be established there. The land in Rogue River Valley is believed to be extremely suitable for farming.
Tom Brodbeck, ed., California Gold Rush: Tales of a Swiss Prospector, J. Christoph Brodbeck, ArtBookbindery.com 2009, page 83



    ROGUE RIVER.--On the 6th inst. intelligence was received in Shasta Valley of gold discoveries on Rogue River, near the Oregon trail. The claims on that portion of the river are said to be marvelously rich. Full confidence has been placed in the news from these mines. On the 9th, at least five hundred persons had left Shasta Valley for the Rogue River mines.
Sacramento Daily Union, March 25, 1852, page 2


    The Shasta Courier of Saturday last, for which we are indebted to Gregory, reports rich discoveries of gold on Rogue River, near the Oregon trail. The mines in Shasta Valley were being profitably worked. Ten dollars per day. says that paper, is under, rather than over the general average to the mining hand. Five hundred persons left Shasta Valley on hearing of the rich discoveries on Rogue River. Much confidence is placed in the reports.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, March 27, 1852, page 7


    The Rogue River furore has been raging here violently for the past two weeks, and has carried off many miners. I am told they will retrace their steps in a few days, and be satisfied to work for low wages when they return. Many of them will find new occupants on their old claims. . . .
    P.S.--Three days after the above date [March 16], the reports are confirmed in regard to the richness of the diggings on Rogue River, and miners are flocking thither in great numbers. The deposits are said to be in dry ravines.
"Our Klamath Correspondence," letter of March 16 from the north fork of Humbug Creek, Sacramento Daily Union, April 6, 1852, page 2


UMPQUA CORRESPONDENCE.
UMPQUA CITY, O.T., March 30, 1852.
    MESSRS. EDITORS.--Extraordinary accounts of the recent discoveries upon Rogue River are reported by packers arriving here from that region. In my last communication I mentioned that considerable attention had been given to the various rivers and streams lying north of Shasta Butte City during the past season; still, the greater portion of the mining population were engaged in the vicinity of Shasta Butte City. The exciting news from Rogue River has produced a general rush to that point. I have been unable to obtain any particular information in respect to the character of these mines, other than their richness and extent, and the large number of miners already centered there. These mines are situated in Southern Oregon, and in the vicinity of this river. The effect of these discoveries upon the business and prospects of this place will be readily inferred. The demand for goods will be still more urgent. It will also lead to further explorations upon the forks of the Umpqua River. Gold has already been discovered on its south fork, but as yet, to no great extent. Contrary to expectations, the road from this point to Shasta Butte City has been open during the whole winter, and packers have been constantly employed in supplying these mines from this point. Various and important improvements are in process of completion in this city. Among others, that of a good and substantial wharf will add much to the facilities of the place. The failure of the mail steamers to touch at this point according to contract has been a source of much disappointment, depriving us of a regular and speedy communication with San Francisco. The proper representations have been made to government on this subject, and we soon expect the benefits of a mail by steamers.    Yours, M.S.S.
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 1, 1852, page 2


    The Shasta Courier reports rich discoveries of gold on Rogue River, near the Oregon trail, and about five hundred persons had left with the intention of engaging in mining at the new location. The same paper represents that the average result of mining in that vicinity is now ten dollars per day for each man engaged.
Daily Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, May 5, 1852, page 1


Umpqua City, O.T., March 30, 1852.
    Messrs. Editors.--Extraordinary accounts of the recent discoveries upon Rogue River are reported by packers arriving here from that region. . . . The exciting news from Rogue River has produced a general rush to that point. I have been unable to obtain any particular information in respect to the character of these mines, other than their richness and extent, and the large number of miners already centered there. These mines are located in Southern Oregon, and in the vicinity of this river.
"Umpqua Correspondence," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 1, 1852, page 2


     RICH DIGGINGS.--Mr. Flinn of Johnson's line of stages has received a letter from Mr. James Clugage on Rogue River, stating that he and his two partners owned a claim out of which they had taken on an average seventy ounces per day for ten weeks. This is certainly one of the richest claims we have heard of for a long time.--Shasta Courier
Daily Alta California, San Francisco, May 22, 1852, page 5



    Mining News.--Rich mines have been discovered in Rogue River Valley. They are creek and ravine diggings. I have seen a miner direct from there, and he informed me that these diggings are extensive. He exhibited some of the gold, and it looked bright and beautiful. He has gone back to these mines. Miners there are averaging from ten to sixteen dollars.
    There is a great excitement in Mt. Shasta City and Humbug Creek consequent on the discovery of these new and rich diggings. I saw about 200 leave for Rogue River Valley on last sabbath. Parties are leaving town daily. Mules are selling from $100 to $140 each. Rogue River Valley is about all taken up by persons who intend to settle permanently.
Daily Ledger, New Albany, Indiana, May 20, 1852, page 2


    Many persons who left Shasta Valley for the mines on Rogue River are now returning. They report the mines on Rogue River to be exceedingly rich, but they were not of sufficient extent to afford claims to all who were attracted thither. Those who have claims upon the river are generally obtaining a great abundance of gold.

"From the Upper Sacramento," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, June 12, 1852, page 3


    The attention of our citizens and business men here seems to be directed towards the southern part of the Territory. Since my last, gold in considerable quantities has been discovered in the Rogue River country, Jackson County, which, together with the rich farming land in that quarter, has served to fasten nearly all eyes upon it. Emigration at this time tends toward Southern Oregon, that part of the Territory embraced within the counties of Umpqua, Douglas and Jackson, lying south of the Willamette Valley, and divided from it by the Calapooia Mountains, a spur stretching across the country from the Coast Range.
    The gold mines in Northern California and those just discovered in Southern Oregon afford to the latter, by their steady demand, high prices and proximity of one of the best markets for all kinds of agricultural products in the world, and when these countries are settled it will enjoy the almost exclusive monopoly of this market. With these two occupations of mining and farming, carried on in the same vicinity, this part of Oregon must soon become densely populated.
"From Oregon," Daily Picayune, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 25, 1852, page 2


    New gold deposits are opening in the northern valleys. The immense region of Rogue River has been traversed in every direction for mineral wealth.

"Affairs in Oregon," Daily Alta California, San Francisco, July 15, 1852, page 2


    Many persons who left Shasta Valley for the mines on Rogue River are said to be returning. The mines on Rogue River are exceedingly rich, but not of sufficient extent to afford claims to call.
"Mining News," Flag of the Union, Jackson, Mississippi, July 30, 1852, page 3



    Families are settling into this valley quite fast, and in less than six months I predict a dense settlement all though the most eligible parts of this country. Milk is $2 per gallon, butter $1 per pound, and other things in proportion. The mines are rich. Mr. J. Skinner, Clugage and Poole made more than $100 a day every day last week. Mr. O. says he is making at least one ounce per day, and Mr. N. told me his company were getting half an ounce a day. This I am told is true of those who work, after throwing off the top of the ground 5 or 6 feet. The place is known by the name of "Hard Scrabble" or "Rich Gulch."
D. R. Williams, Oregonian, Portland, June 5, 1852, page 1


    New gold discoveries have recently been made near Table Rock. There are now a large number of miners engaged in working there, who are making from ten to sixteen dollars per day.
Oregonian, Portland, December 18, 1852, page 2   In 1852 there were only three landmarks in the future Jackson County. "Near Table Rock" could have been anywhere within a 20-mile radius of the rock.


    New gold discoveries have recently been made near Table Rock.
----
    GOLD.--The gold mines of Rogue River Valley, and other localities, near the southern boundary of Oregon, are being wrought to considerable profit. Gold, in small quantities, has been discovered on several small tributaries east of the Cascades. There is considerable analogy between the gold-bearing rock of California and the talcose and other allied rocks of the Umpqua Valley. And gold has been found on most of the small streams entering the Umpqua as well as the main stream. Also on the south fork of Santiam and on Calapooia Creek.
"Later from Oregon," Sacramento Daily Union, December 29, 1852, page 2


    Very rich diggings were lately discovered upon Althouse Creek, a tributary of Rogue River, distant about 60 miles to the northward of Yreka. The miners are rushing thither in great numbers. The diggings about Jacksonville are also very good, and have been so all winter.
'The Mines," New York Times, April 26, 1853, page 1



    Diggings were first discovered near here in Feby. 1852 by Messrs. Clugage & Poole, who being on a prospecting tour found their labors rewarded by the discovery of good diggings. There were but three log houses in the Rogue River Valley then, for farming purposes.
    Messrs. C. & P. were digging a ditch to take water to the diggings. They had disc'd [discovered gold] and seeing some other men around discontinued work for about a month, but seeing the strangers about to locate they resumed their work and one and another would come and set to work and stay, hence arose the town so that now the population is about 700--22 families--and over 200 families in the Rogue River Valley. There are 53 marriageable [women] within a circuit of 12 miles of Jacksonville--9 within Jacksonville--35 scholars attend a day school kept by Miss Royle. Couldn't find the number of children in the valley. There are 10 stores, 3 boarding houses, 1 bowling alley, 1 billiard [saloon], 3 physicians (and 300 men called Doctor!), 1 tin shop, 1 meat [market], 1 livery stable--shame on it--1 church, 1 schoolhouse.
Journal, 1855
, entry for February 9, James Mason Hutchings papers, Library of Congress MMC-1892


    In February, 1851 [sic], two men, one named Clugage, and the other Poole, were out on a prospecting expedition for gold; and, near the site of the present town found their labors rewarded by a "good prospect," of the precious metal, and immediately pitched their camp. At that time there were but three log cabins in the valley.
    As men began to gather in, a little town sprang into existence, and from a singular rock at the lower end of the valley, about nine miles below the town, resembling a high table, this little village was first named Table Rock City; but as the valley became settled, it became the county town of Jackson County, Oregon, and was then changed to its present name.
"Jacksonville, O.T.," Hutchings' California Magazine, January 1857, page 296


The Mining Region of Del Norte and Adjacent Country.
    The Crescent City Herald considers that there is an immense mining region in Northern California and Southern Oregon which hitherto has been comparatively neglected, not being even explored or prospected. It makes some observations on the subject, which we give here, for the benefit of the restless and speculative miner, who may wish to try fortune in the North:
    During the years 1851, 1852 and 1853, nearly every miner had a mania for prospecting. Parties were seen constantly traveling in every direction in search of new diggings. The entire coast ranges, from the Siskiyou Mountains to the waters of the Umpqua River, were traversed and partially prospected by these parties. It was the result of their perseverance that Jacksonville, Sterling and the numerous diggings throughout Jackson County were discovered, also those of Althouse Creek, Sucker Creek, Galice Creek and Sailor Diggings, as also the diggings at the mouth of Rogue River and at Randolph. These parties found gold to exist in nearly all the streams that empty along the coast between Klamath and Rogue rivers. There were, however, causes which rendered it impracticable for miners to work at many of those places. By a survey of the geography of this country, one will perceive at a glance that all those places of easy access in 1851 and 1852 were worked, and have to this day continued to pay well. All of those diggings alluded to, except those at the mouth of Rogue River and at Randolph, are contiguous to valleys which form a series of valleys connecting with those which extend southward from the mouth of the Columbia River, while the streams of Chetco and North Fork of Smith River, heading on the opposite side of the ridge, from Illinois River, Josephine Cañon and Galice Creek, have not been worked, although to the partial prospector they are not superior in richness, and may, when fully developed, prove superior.
    Gold was known to exist on the South Fork of Smith River as early as 1852, but provisions were scarce and high, the country was very mountainous, which made it very difficult to get to and fro, and the Indians were numerous and supposed to be hostile. But it is said "where there is a will there is a way," and so it has proved in this instance, for through the perseverance and energy of the enterprising men at Uptonville, those mines that have been lying in a dormant state so long are now being opened, and have proved not only rich in spots, but extensively rich.
    A party of prospectors, consisting of Bob Williams, Lawson and others, in 1852 found an excellent prospect on one of the head branches of the Chetco, but they also found the Indians numerous and warlike. The same year gold was also found on a stream on the opposite side of the ridge from the head of Cañon Creek, supposed to be the head branch of the North Fork of Smith River, but it was also abandoned for the same reason, that it was considered unsafe for a small party to work there. An excellent prospect was also found by Mr. Reynolds and Yank, about one and a half miles below the wagon road bridge on North Fork of same stream (Smith River). The gold was coarse, and there certainly must be more nearby. The causes that prevented the pioneer prospectors from working those mines are all removed--provisions are plenty and cheap, and the Indians are all gone.
    But it appears that the enterprising spirit which so distinguished the early California miner in prospecting and opening new mines is certainly not imitated by those that succeed them, and they it seems have relapsed into an opposite extreme, for very little prospecting has been done since 1853. Miners nowadays have too great a disposition to huddle together in great masses about the old mining localities, and almost every newcomer instead of getting his own pick and pan, and prospecting for himself, wants to work for wages. The consequences are the country is soon flooded with applicants for labor and wages become low. The spring is now at hand, and we advised all those who have not got good mining claims to start out. We have evidence upon evidence that gold exists in all the branches of Smith River, Winchuck, Chetco and Pistol rivers, and that upon those streams thousands will get their labor well rewarded there can be no doubt.
San Francisco Bulletin, March 29, 1859, page 1


    Jas. R. Pool has surveyed off several blocks of land and subdivided them into lots convenient for building purposes on the east side of the town of Jacksonville.
"Oregon," Oregon City Enterprise, December 8, 1866, page 2



    During the winter of  '51-2, several miners were at work on the Big Bar in the river, and on some of the gulches in what is called the Blackwell Diggings. Sometime in February 1852, James Poole and James Clugage made the discovery of gold on Rich Gulch. The first discovery was made within the limits of what is now the Jacksonville corporation. This at once created an excitement--people from all parts were directing their course to the new diggings--Clugage took the claim where Jacksonville is now situated, and Poole the claim adjoining Clugage's on the east.
"Southern Oregon," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, May 11, 1867, page 2


    The Jacksonville Press has the following on the new diggings in that country: Mr. James Pool--one of our most zealous and persistent prospectors--who has been absent on a prospecting tour in the vicinity of the Wines diggings, reports the discovery of six- or seven-dollar diggings on the head of Jack's Creek, some seven miles from Wines' Camp. The diggings are said to be some two miles in extent. We have heard of another strike of new diggings somewhere near the head of Applegate. The lucky discoverers this time are said to be Chinamen, one poor celestial having picked up a solid chunk of pure gold weighing some fourteen ounces.
"Oregon," Oregon City Enterprise, May 25, 1867, page 2



DIED.
POOL.--In Santa Cruz, Cal., James Pool, formerly of Jacksonville, aged 42 years.
Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, November 7, 1868, page 3


    Mr. Sykes [likely either Joshua B. Sykes, named Indian sub-agent in the Umpqua District in 1859, or Robert C. Sykes, Jackson County Sheriff in 1852, under the alcalde system], who worked for Judge [Alonzo] Skinner, was one of 2 or 3 who first found the diggings on Jackson Creek. Clugage and Poole were packers. Many think they were the discoverers of gold on Jackson Creek, but this is not so. It was a beautiful valley, that of Rogue River, and the paradise of packers, the tall grass affording of forage for mules. Stopping at Skinner's, about the first of February, 1852, Clugage and Poole heard of the discovery made by Sykes and Co. They then drove their mules from Skinner's, situated on Bear Creek six miles northeast from Jacksonville, on to the present site of Jacksonville, where they turned them loose and began prospecting. They soon discovered rich diggings, which soon took the name of Rich Gulch.
    Sykes' discovery on Jackson Creek [was] close to where the west line of the present incorporated town of Jacksonville now lies, and about half a mile north of where Clugage and Poole made their discovery on Rich Gulch. Poole was a natural miner and prospector. Clugage was a packer and happened to be a partner of Poole. It was not in 1851 that Clugage and Poole discovered Rich Gulch, nor was Rich Gulch the place where gold was first discovered in the Rogue River Valley, but the Sykes discovery before mentioned was first.
L. J. C. Duncan, "Settlement in Southern Oregon," July 1878 interview with H. H. Bancroft, Film P-A 25, Bancroft Library, Berkeley, California. Typed transcript in Southern Oregon Historical Society "Duncan" vertical file. Agent Skinner doesn't mention Sykes in any of his correspondence with the Department of Indian Affairs; in September 1852 he mentions that he only has one employee, interpreter Chesley B. Gray.


    The first discovery of gold in the Rogue River Valley was that of Rich Gulch within the now corporate limits of the town of Jacksonville. This discovery was made by James Clugage and James R. Poole. These men had been mining at Scotts Bar and Yreka and came this way prospecting. The mine was very rich, men taking out $100 a day each, and almost immediately a large camp arose. It was placer mining, very coarse, smooth gold. In the spring of 1852 there were 1000 or 1500 men in this vicinity engaged in mining, and for twenty-five or thirty years it was continued with greater or less success.

    After Rich Gulch, Jackson Creek mines were struck about two miles from the first discovery, then gold discoveries followed rapidly--Willow Springs, Applegate, Sterling, Jackson Creek, Poorman's Creek, and in other neighboring streams and gulches. All these diggings were in what is now Jackson County and within distance of ten or twelve miles.

Paine Page Prim, "History of Judicial Affairs in Southern Oregon," 1878, Bancroft Library


    The Indian agent, Judge A. A. Skinner . . . reached the valley in Sept. or Oct. 1851, when he took up a claim and built a house. Mr. Sykes, who worked for Judge Skinner, was one of the 2 or 3 who first found the diggings on Jackson Creek.
    Clugage and Poole were packers. Many think they were the discoverers of gold on Jackson Creek. But this is not so. It was a beautiful valley, that of Rogue River, and the paradise of packers, the tall grass affording the best of pasturage for mules. Stopping at Skinner's for a day or two about the first of February 1852 Clugage and Poole heard of the discovery made by Sykes and co. They then drove their mules from Skinner's, situated on Bear Creek six miles northeast from Jacksonville, on to the present site of Jacksonville, where they turned them loose & began prospecting. They soon discovered rich diggings which soon took the name of Rich Gulch.
    Sykes' discovery on Jackson Creek was close to where the west line of the present incorporated town of Jacksonville now runs, and about half a mile north of where Clugage and Poole made their discovery on Rich Gulch. Poole was a natural miner and prospector. Clugage was a packer and happened to be partner of Poole. It was not in 1851 that C. & P. discovered Rich Gulch, nor was Rich Gulch the place where gold was first discovered in the Rogue River Valley, but the Sykes discovery before mentioned was first.
Legrand J. C. Duncan, "Settlement in Southern Oregon," Bancroft Library MSS P-A 27


    In the fall of 1851 Mr. Clugage was packing freight from Scottsburg to the rich mining camp of Yreka, and on his last trip, about the beginning of January, 1852, was camped near the present site of Central Point at one of the only two houses then built in the main Rogue River Valley. One night two mules were stolen by the Indians, who were followed towards the south, and in the pursuit gold was discovered in Rich Gulch and Jackson Creek where Jacksonville now stands--one of the party stopping to drink at a spring the bottom of which seemed to be encrusted with the coveted metal. Mr. Clugage and two others at once engaged in mining, keeping their discovery secret, and making an average of one hundred ounces of gold per day for many weeks.
"Biographical Sketches," Oregon Sentinel, Jacksonville, February 5, 1879, page 2


WILLOW SPRINGS, March 8, 1883.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES:
    I see in a recent issue of the Times that the '49 Diggings were not discovered in 1849. Correct, but Rich Gulch was not the first discovery in this county. The first gold found in Oregon, I think, was on Rogue River, not far from the Centennial Bridge [in Gold Hill], by a man by the name of Ingles in '49 or '50, but who did not stop to mine. In 1851 there was a party of prospectors started from Yreka, crossed the mountain to the head of Applegate, which they came down as far as Squaw Creek, where they camped for the night. During that night the Indians stole a horse from them, and the next morning the miners pursued and found them with the horse killed and having a feast. The miners fired upon them and killed a squaw, and that gave it the name of Squaw Creek. (This has been found [true?] since.) They then went back over the mountain, where some Indians told them that there were three men mining three days' travel from there and offered to go and show them the place. They accepted the offer, and were taken to what is now called Josephine Creek. They found the three men mining there, and then returned to Yreka for supplies, agreeing to keep it secret. When they went to start there were about 300 men who followed the first party that had been out. When we got back to the creek old man Rollins was in there. He had a daughter by the name of Josephine, and since then the place has been called Josephine Creek. Josephine was a sister of Mrs. J. Thompson and aunt of G. S. Butler of Ashland. All of the miners left but about 50, and we then found Canyon Creek, which was very rich, and mined there all summer. Some four or five of them went to the Big Bar on Rogue River and built a cabin. They mined there during the winter of '51 and '52, so that was the first mining that was done around here. Rich Gulch was not found until sometime in the winter of 1852.
PIONEER.
Democratic Times, Jacksonville, March 16, 1883, page 2


    Jacksonville should have been called "Jim." Three Jims first discovered gold there, respectively Jim Clugage, Jim Poole and Jim Cinnor [sic], and the first white child  born there was Jim McCully. [Jim "Cinnor" must be J. Skinner, referred to in the Oregonian article of June 5, 1852, above.]
Daniel F. Fisher, "Pioneer Names," Democratic Times, Jacksonville, January 4, 1884, page 2


    When we were at Minersville . . . some packers from Oregon came there and stayed a few days till they sold out the load of their train; they had potatoes, onions and flour and bacon. . . . The packers' names were James Poole and James Clugage, the last from Chicago, Illinois. I got well acquainted with both.
    They told that there had been some new diggings discovered in Rogue River Valley just close to Jacksonville. A gulch called Rich Gulch had been discovered by their partner named [James] Skinner. He was the son of the then Indian Sup. Agent of Rogue River Indians, and they, Poole and Clugage, advised me to go there, as there had been two or three rich creeks struck at Jackson's Hill or Jackson's Creek on both forks, and there had been some miners with three or four pack animals come to Yreka for provision and [one] had paid in very nice coarse gold, some different from the Yreka gold, and when the merchant tried to find out where he got his gold, would not tell. But he got drunk and spent his money so freely and kept saying he could get plenty more where that came from, that some men concluded to watch him, and one night he struck out on the sly with his animals loaded with provisions and new tools. The men that had been watching him followed him with pack animals, and they had along tools and provisions. . . . The same night there were fifty or sixty men all followed right after each other and followed the man that they were after right into his camp and found that two or three others were mining on the sly. [They] went to work prospecting and found a rich creek and in a short time a thousand miners from California had overrun the whole country. (How[e] was one of the discoverers.)
Doyce B. Nunis, ed., The Golden Frontier: The Recollections of Herman Francis Reinhart 1851-1869, written 1887, published 1962, page 33


    I went up and saw the rich gulch near Jacksonville where Skinner, Clugage and Poole first made the discovery of coarse gold. It was very shallow and they used knives and spoons in the crevices and took out from $500 to $700 per day, nice bright coarse gold like drops of molded lead.
    They got to work with rockers until they got water to work sluices and long toms. They took up great long claims and smuggled some between them, under fictitious names, until the miners got to cutting them [the claims] down and jumping some of them. But it being so shallow, [mining] was not very extensive and they soon skimmed off the best of the rich gulch.

Doyce B. Nunis, ed., The Golden Frontier: The Recollections of Herman Francis Reinhart 1851-1869, written 1887, published 1962, page 40


    There were then [in the middle of June 1852] but few families in Jacksonville, more of a mining camp. We looked round a while and then went round to some of the diggings. Went to the first that was discovered in or around Southern Oregon. It was discovered in 1850 or 1851 by a packer by the name of George Frazier. He was packing goods from Scottsburg to Yreka, California. The first discoveries took from this "Rich Gulch" (this was the name given it and still retained) something over $30,000, in a few months' time, mostly coarse gold from $1.00 to $20 pieces. The second workers the next year took out $12,000 to $15,000, working over the old tailings. When we got there two men were at work on the same tailings for the third time, and making six to eight dollars per day.
Thomas Frazar, "Recollections," (written 1880s), in "Pioneers from New England," Oregon Historical Quarterly, Spring 1982, page 42  Frazar's source for the date and discoverer was mistaken. The Oregon Historical Society in a footnote corrected Frazar's 'Frazier" reference, citing the accepted credit for the discovery to Clugage/Poole/Skinner/Wilson.

    In passing back and forth to California, the Oregon miners had not failed to observe that the same soil and geological structure characterized the valleys north of the supposed northern boundary of California that were found in the known mining regions, and prospecting was carried on to a considerable extent early in 1850. In June two hundred miners were at work in the Umpqua Valley. But little gold was found at this time, and the movement was southward, to Rogue River and Klamath. According to the best authorities the first discovery on any of the tributaries of the Klamath was in the spring of 1850 at Salmon Creek. In July discoveries were made on the main Klamath, ten miles above the mouth of Trinity River, and in September on Scott River. In the spring of 1851 gold was found in the Shasta Valley, at various places, notably on Greenhorn Creek, Yreka, and Humbug Creek.
    The Oregon miners were by this time satisfied that gold existed north of the Siskiyou range. Their explorations resulted in finding the metal on Big Bar of Rogue River, and in the cañon of Josephine Creek. Meanwhile the beautiful and richly grassed valley of Rogue River became the paradise of packers, who grazed their mules there, returning to Scottsburg or the Willamette for a fresh cargo. In February 1852 one Sykes, who worked on the place of A. A. Skinner, found gold on Jackson Creek, about on the west line of the present town of Jacksonville, and soon after two packers, Clugage and Poole, occupying themselves with prospecting while their animals were feeding, discovered Rich Gulch, half a mile north of Sykes' discovery. The wealth of these mines led to an eruption from the California side of the Siskiyou, and Willow Springs five miles north of Jacksonville, Pleasant Creek, Applegate Creek, and many other localities became deservedly famous, yielding well for a number of years.
Hubert Howe Bancroft, The Pacific States of North America, vol. 25, 1888, page 184


    Rogue River Valley is divided into three counties--Jackson, Josephine and Curry. Jackson County was created January 12, 1852, and Josephine was cut off from it in January 1856. The name of the former does not refer, as one might suppose, to the deity of good Democrats, but to Jackson, the discoverer of the mines on Jackson Creek, after whom Jacksonville, the county seat, was also named.
    Jackson was the owner of a pack train which transported provisions to the mines, who being encamped at this place made himself and the locality suddenly famous by his discovery.
Frances Fuller Victor, Atlantis Arisen, 1891, Philadelphia, page 135  James Twogood seems to be the source of the "Mr. Jackson" story. No one else credits him or mentions him, and no one gives him a first name.


    Such is very briefly the history of Southern Oregon prior to the time of permanent settlement, which began in Jackson County about the time of the discovery of the rich placer mines on Jackson Creek in January, 1852, by Messrs. Sykes, Clugage and Poole. In March of the same year, there were no less than 150 men working in the vicinity of Jackson Creek, and by the middle of the summer there were fully 1,000 miners in the Rogue River Valley. With the opening of the placers and the influx of the miners began the active progress and development of Jackson County. There naturally sprang up a demand for the necessaries of life, from which trade took root and flourished. The beautiful valley, with its waving plains of grass, offered inducements to those who were not subject to the mining fever to till the soil and produce abundantly.
    In February, 1852, Appler and Kenney, packers from Yreka, pitched their tent and began trade with the miners. But in March, W. W. Fowler built a log cabin, the first building of any description in Jacksonville.
    Clapboard houses soon took the places of the many tents, and Jacksonville became the first permanent settlement in Jackson County. Gamblers and sharpers of every description began to flock to this new El Dorado, saloons and gambling dens increased rapidly and disorder and confusion were fast taking the place of quiet. There was no law until the miners constituted themselves a tribunal of justice, and, after giving a murderer a fair trial, they found him guilty, hanged him to a tree and thus quieted all disorder for the time. This hint to the reckless was sufficient.
    The miners made their own laws and held their own courts until September, 1853, when a regular court was held by Matthew P. Deady, who had just been appointed United States district judge for the territory of Oregon.
"Southern Oregon: A Brief Outline of Its History," Oregon Mining Journal, Grants Pass, Midsummer 1897, page 19


    The discoveries on Jackson Creek were made by a man named Sykes in December, 1851, and a little later Skinner and Poole, two packers, made like discoveries in Rich Gulch, one-half mile north of Sykes' claim.

"Mining in Southern Oregon: The Discovery of Quartz and Placer in Earlier Days," Oregon Mining Journal, Grants Pass, Midsummer 1897, page 30



    During the winter I made the acquaintance of Squire Appler [in Yreka], who informed me that new diggings has been discovered somewhere; that men were leaving in the night to keep down suspicion; that the new mines were fabulously rich, etc. It however, soon leaked out that this latest strike was in Rogue River Valley, Oregon. Appler's enthusiasm was contagious, and I consented to go to the new Eldorado. Petzer Smith, who ran a pack train between Yreka and the Willamette Valley, agreed to take a man and his blankets to the new strike for one ounce of gold dust, the passengers to ride an apperaho [aparejo]. This looked like a good proposition; I paid the ounce, mounted a bronco, and experienced the toughest ride of my life. Imagine a man riding a distance of sixty miles on a barrel and you will form an idea of what it is to ride an apperaho.
    We reached Jacksonville about Feb. 20th, 1852. I felt disappointed after investigating Rich Gulch and Jackson Creek, about the only diggings that had been discovered up to that date. Rich Gulch was extremely rich; Jackson Creek both forks was only rich in places, and the prospectors, prospecting either fork would draw a blank oftener than a prize.
Henry Klippel, "Reminiscence of Early Days," Medford Enquirer, March 2, 1901, page 4


    In December, 1851, James Clugage and J. R. Poole located the first mining claim in Southern Oregon, at a point near the old brewery in Jacksonville. They had been informed by a couple of young men who were passing through the country that they had found gold near that place. Immediately after this discovery became known in California and by the incoming immigrants to Oregon, there was a rush made to the mines of Jacksonville. Old man Shively, the discoverer of Shively  Gulch above Jacksonville, inside of eighteen months had taken out over fifty thousand dollars, and since that time, from the best statistics obtainable, the mines of Southern Oregon have yielded about thirty-five million dollars in gold.
William M. Colvig, "Indian Wars of Southern Oregon,"
Medford Mail, August 8 and 15, 1902, page 2


    It was in December 1851 that Rich Gulch was struck, the first gold being found near the present crossing of Oregon Street. Gold had been found earlier in Jackson Creek opposite the city brewery by two young men who communicated the fact to James Clugage and J. R. Poole, who were traveling through the valley. Afterwards, the discovery of Rich Gulch was made by James Skinner and Wilson who claimed four hundred feet of the gulch. It did not take the discovery long to leak out when men washed out a pint of gold in a day. In Feb. 1852 every foot of land in Rich Gulch was claimed, and by March all the hills and gulches around were taken in spite of the hostility of the Indians.
Jessie Beulah Wilson (Jacksonville High School student), "History of Jacksonville," Jacksonville Sentinel, June 5, 1903, page 4


    . . . the mines on Rich Gulch within the limits of Jacksonville were discovered by a party en route from the Willamette Valley to Yreka late in the fall of 1851. After crossing the Rogue River the party kept near the foothills to avoid the dangerous Indians on Bear Creek, and camped overnight on the present site of Jacksonville. While some of the members were preparing supper, James Poole took a pick and pan and went down to the bed of the gulch to prospect, and was happily surprised to find that every pan yielded the most flattering results. The party made a permanent camp, staked off claims and went to mining. The gulch proved to be very rich. Yreka was at that time a booming mining camp. The flats and gulches in and around the town literally swarmed with men, and the new discoveries from day to day kept the transient population at fever heat. When the news of the discovery of Rich Gulch reached there, exaggerated as discoveries always were in those days, an avalanche of men swept over the Siskiyous, and by the spring of '52, 3000 or 4000 miners were delving in the hills and streams around Jacksonville.
W. J. Plymale, "First Hanging in Southern Oregon," Sunday Oregonian, Portland, June 21, 1903, page 15


    Jacksonville [in March 1852] was a mining camp that had been established only about two months, for it was only the previous December that gold had been discovered in Rich Gulch [by] James Poole, who with James Clugage had come that month from Yreka to winter their train of pack horses and mules on the luxuriant grass that then grew all over Rogue River Valley. It was not until January that news of the finding of this new and fabulous rich diggings reached the California old miners, and then there was a rush across the Siskiyou Mountains to the new camp, which had been named in honor of President Jackson, who was then the popular idol of Americans and especially of the Southerners, many of whom were in the rush to Rich Gulch.
E. K. Anderson, "First Murder and First Hanging in Rogue River Valley,"
Rogue River Fruit Grower, October 1910


FIRST DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN SOUTHERN OREGON.
    It has been published and republished, iterated and reiterated some thousands of times that James Clugage and James Poole in passing through the valley from the Willamette to California, in the fall of 1851, camped on Rich Gulch, within the present corporate limits of Jacksonville, and that while in camp Mr. Poole did some prospecting with a pan and made the discovery. Nobody disputes the prospecting by Mr. Poole, or the finding of gold, but was this the first discovery in Southern Oregon? The purpose of this paper is to show that it was not.
    Mr. David Linn, who has lived in Jacksonville since early in the spring of '52, and whose word is as good as his bond, says he left Oregon City in the fall of '51 in company with Wesley McGanigal, a man with whom he had just crossed the plains. They walked from Oregon City to Salem, and bought their outfit and two ponies. They packed the ponies and started on foot for California. Arriving at Canyonville they found the town to consist of one log cabin, and no modern adjunct in the shape of a real estate agent to boom the prospects of the place and offer corner lots at bankrupt prices. The two men stopped here a short time for reinforcements, as it was considered dangerous for so small a party to travel through the Rogue River country. The next day after their arrival a party of three men came along going to California, and together the five pursued their journey south, leaving Canyonville on the morning of Oct. 28, 1851. Mr. Linn remembers the date distinctly on account of its being his birthday. The party went through the Canyon in a day, and camped at Hardy Elliff's. Judge Skinner and party were there on their way to Rogue River, where Mr. Skinner was to take up his residence as Indian agent. The five men continued their journey on the 29th, leaving the Skinner party, who had ox teams which would travel too slow for the packers.
    On the first or second day of November the party arrived at Perkins' ferry on Rogue River. There were three or four men at the ferry, and they had built a stockade to protect themselves against the Indians. They advised the party not to cross the river until reinforced, as the Indians were hostile and had killed a number of persons up in the valley a few days before. The party, however, crossed the river, and went about two miles and camped for the night in a secluded bend of the river. The next morning after starting out, they met a man on horseback, whom McGanigal recognized as an old schoolmate by the name of Bills. After greeting each other, Bills requested us to camp about a half mile south of the rocky point, a noted place for Indians to attack travelers, and that he would return in the evening, as he was only going to Perkins' ferry for some boards to cover his cabin. About sundown Bills returned, and McGanigal went with him up the river to Big Bar, and there found young Bills' father. They were engaged in mining, and had apparently been there for some time. When Mc. returned to camp he was greatly excited. He said there were thousands of Indians up there, but that young Bills and his father told him the Indians would not disturb the party, and that they could pursue their journey in safety. In passing up through the valley, the only evidence of civilization met was a log enclosure four or five logs high at the back and one log in front, the sides tapering from the back to the front and forming a sort of scoop-shaped camp, without covering. There were some blankets and other things in the camp, indicating that someone was stopping there, but the party saw no one. This was at the Willow Springs. When the party arrived near where the flouring mill ditch crosses the county road above Phoenix, they came across three packers who had been killed by the Indians and thrown together, and the flour sacks cut open and the flour poured over them. As assured by the two Bills, the five reached Yreka without being molested.
    Your correspondent expects this statement to call out a strong protest, if not a vigorous attack, because when an idea concerning any important matter or event becomes crystallized in the public mind, it becomes a sort of cherished memory, and if the idol is shattered or its foundations shaken, somebody is sure to kick.
Undated clipping circa 1910, Southern Oregon Pioneer Society scrapbook 18/23, page 31, Southern Oregon Historical Society MS517.


    The discoverers of gold in Southern Oregon were James Clugage and Poole. During the winter of 1851-52 they had driven their string of mules up Jackson Creek to fatten and condition them for packing in the spring. These men chose Jackson Creek for their pasture ground because it was off the beaten trail. At this time Californians from Yreka were scouring the country in search of horse thieves, and it was safer to for two men with a string of mules to be encamped in a secluded spot, as pursuers were nearly as lawless as pursued. While encamped on Jackson Creek early in January, 1852, these men discovered gold shimmering in the gravel of the creek bottom.
Arthur M. Geary, "Gold Mines of Southern Oregon Are Scenes of Great Activity," Oregonian, Portland, January 22, 1911, page B4


    From the spring of '49 to the winter of '51 the present site of Jacksonville was a favorite camping place for the eager throng who were hurrying southward from the Willamette Valley to the gold fields of California, as well as for the packers who were coming and going between the valley and the gold fields. Late in December of '51 two young men camped on Ashland Creek [sic]. One of them, in washing their tin dishes in the stream, saw a small nugget. Looking more carefully, he found other nuggets. They did not stop to stake out a claim, as they did not attach great importance to their find. Meeting J. R. Poole and Jim Clugage, they told them of having found gold at their camp on Ashland Creek [sic]. A little later, or to be exact, early in January 1852, Clugage and Poole camped there and near a spring in a ravine not far distant from Ashland Creek [sic] found coarse gold in large quantities. So abundant were the nuggets and coarse gold that they called their discovery Rich Gulch. They took in two friends named Wilson and Skinner, and soon the rumor ran up and down the trail that new diggings had been struck, so rich that a man could pan out a cupful of gold in a day.
    Farmers in the Willamette Valley heard the rumor, and the next day they were headed south. Miners from creek and gulch and bar of California joined the northbound exodus. By February, Rich Gulch was entirely staked.
    Appler & Kenney at Yreka hastily loaded a pack train with whiskey of a cheap and deadly variety, tobacco, boots, rough clothing, beans, flour and bacon and went to the new diggings, arriving in February and starting a store in a tent.
    A few weeks later W. W. Fowler put up a log cabin, the first real house to go up in the new camp. Lumber was in immediate demand, and woodsmen who felled the nearby trees and whipsawed them into lumber sold the rough lumber for $250 a thousand.
Fred Lockley, "A Town That Lives in the Past," Oregon Journal, Portland, November 24, 1912, page 63


    In 1850 two men, Clugage and Poole by name, equipped a pack train at the mining town of Yreka, California, and carried supplies between Yreka and towns in the Willamette Valley. They followed a narrow trail across the Siskiyou Mountains and along the bank of Bear Creek. It was their custom when they reached this valley to stop to rest and recuperate their animals. The wild grass grew so high in the valley that the man who herded the mules had to stand on the back of his horse in order to locate the rest of the herd.
    Clugage had worked at mining, and one day, while they were in camp in the valley, went up into the hills where Jacksonville now is. Following up a gulch or ravine, he came to a place where the heavy rains had washed the soil entirely away, leaving a ledge of rock exposed. Taking his bowie knife from his belt he dug around in the rocks and sand and found nuggets of gold. He returned to camp and reported his discovery to Poole. Together they went back to the spot and staked out their mining claims.
    Returning to Yreka they bought a camp outfit and mining tools and returned to work their claims. They had kept quiet in regard to their discovery, but in some way it became known, and in two months from the time Clugage found the nuggets of gold a thousand men were on the spot. Claims were staked out and every man went to work to dig out the gold. No time was spent in building cabins; a man would throw his saddle blanket over a manzanita bush and put his bed under it. Some built shelters of bark and brush while others put up tents. Fortunes were taken out that winter, and many who had families in the east and elsewhere went back in the spring and summer and brought them to the Rogue River Valley. This was the beginning of the settlement.
Alice Applegate Sargent, "A Sketch of the Rogue River Valley and Southern Oregon History," Oregon Historical Quarterly, March 1921, pages 3-4.  Read before the Greater Medford Club in the spring of 1915.


Gold Discovery in Rich Gulch in 1851.
Interesting Pen Picture of Jacksonville
in the Days of the Gold Excitement.
First Murder Trial Held in Jackson County.

    Following is a brief account of the first discovery of gold in Rich Gulch and the first murder trial held in Jacksonville. While the court's methods may have been crude, they were certainly effective in holding the lawless element in check and safeguarding life and property during the strenuous first days.
    Much of the history of Jacksonville is unwritten but, fortunately, some of those who dug its foundations and reared its schools and churches still survive, and upon the faithfulness of their memories we must depend for the accuracy of the records. It was in December 1851, or January 1852, that Rich Gulch was struck, the first gold being taken out near the present crossing of Oregon Street. Gold had been found somewhat earlier on Jackson Creek, nearly opposite the old City Brewery, by two young men, who communicated the fact to James Clugage and J. R. Poole, who were traveling through the valley. The result was the discovery of Rich Gulch by Clugage and Poole, who associated themselves with Skinner and Wilson, who conjointly claimed four hundred feet of the gulch. It was not long until the secret of a "discovery," where men could wash out a pint cup of gold daily, was leaked out. In February 1852, every foot of the gulch was staked out and claimed, and by March the surrounding hills and gulches were, in spite of the evident hostility of the Indians, filled with the rapidly swelling population, and soon the first discovery was the center of an extensive mining region.
    In February a trading post was opened in a tent by Appler & Kenney, packers from Yreka. It was by no means a bazaar, the stock comprising only a few tools and little "tom iron" [perforated sheet metal used in a rocker or long tom], the roughest clothing and boots, some "blackstrap" tobacco and a liberal supply of whiskey--not royal nectar, perhaps, but nevertheless the solace of the miner in heat and cold, in prosperity or in adversity. Other traders follows, bringing supplies of every kind, pitching their tents on the most available ground, and finding plenty of customers flush with treasure. In March the first log cabin was built by W. W. Fowler, near the head of Main, the only street in the embryo city. Lumber was "whipsawed" in the gulches at the rate of $250 per thousand, or purchased in small quantities from a sawmill in the valley; clapboard houses, with real sawed doors and window frames, began to rise among the tents; the town emerged from the chrysalis stage, and before the end of summer assumed an air of solidity, and fairly entered on the second stage of its existence.
    During this time a marked change had taken place in the social structure of Jacksonville. Gamblers, courtesans, sharpers of every kind flocked to the new El Dorado. Saloons multiplied beyond necessity; monte and faro games were in full blast, and the strains of music lured the "honest miner" and led his feet into many a dangerous place, where he and his money were soon parted. Notwithstanding the loose and reckless character of a large portion of the people, crime was remarkably rare. There was no written law. The hastily prepared handful of territorial laws, borrowed from the Iowa code, generally relating to property rights, were inoperative at so remote a point from the seat of government, and there was neither county organization nor judicial officers.
    But there was a law higher, stronger, more effective than written codes, the stern necessity of mutual protection, and an element had the courage and will to enforce it. Justice was administered by the people's court; its findings were singularly correct, its decrees inflexible, its punishment certain. In 1852 the first court of this character was convened. A miner named Potts was shot dead without provocation by a gambler named Brown. Immediately every claim was vacated. Men, not angry but outraged by the deed, gathered in hundreds, and the assassin was secured. That fine sense of chivalry and fairness common on the frontier prompted a proper investigation, and in the absence of even a justice of the peace, W. W. Fowler was appointed judge and a jury of twelve men was selected. The case was tried by the rules of right and wrong divested of legal technicalities. Brown was readily proved guilty of a cowardly murder and taken to an oak grove a little north of the site of the Presbyterian Church, hanged and buried under a tree a few yards west of where the church now stands, and the remains have never been removed. The court was quietly dissolved, the judge disclaiming the right to exercise further jurisdiction, but the lesson was salutary and effective.
"True Tales of Pioneers," Jacksonville Post, August 21, 1920, page 1


    Most of you are familiar with the story of the discovery of gold in the Rogue River Valley, but for the benefit of the younger generation I will tell the story to you as it was told to me by the pioneer banker, C. C. Beekman, shortly before his death.
    Two men, Clugage and Poole by name, had equipped a pack train at the mining town of Yreka, California, and carried supplies between that place and Salem, Oregon. It was their custom when in this valley to stop to rest and recuperate their animals. Clugage had had some experience in mining, and one day when they were in camp in the valley about where Medford now is, came up into these foothills. He followed up a narrow gulch or ravine until he came to a place where the heavy rains had washed the soil entirely away, leaving a ledge of rock exposed. Taking his bowie knife from his belt he dug around in the rocks and sand and found nuggets of gold. He hurried back to camp and told Poole of his discovery, and together they came back and staked out their claims. They then went back to Yreka and bought mining and camp outfits and came back to work their claims. They said nothing of their discovery, but in some way it became known, and in two months from the time Clugage found the nuggets here in the ravine a thousand men were on the spot. Fortunes were taken out that winter, and in the spring and summer of 1852 many who had families in the East and elsewhere went back and brought them to Jacksonville.
Alice Applegate Sargent, address to the Pioneer Society, Jacksonville Post, October 9, 1920, page 2


STORY OF THE FINDING OF GOLD AND NAMING OF ALTHOUSE CREEK IS TOLD BY ALBANY MAN
    The romantic early day history of a country is elusive, and without the effort of interested parties is lost before we know it. There are many interesting details connected with the discovery and mining of gold in Josephine County, and Geo. H. Parker has assembled much interesting data in this connection. Recently in getting the facts regarding the naming of Althouse Creek, Mr. Parker wrote to C. H. Stewart, of Albany, and received the following letter regarding the Althouse brothers, with whom Mr. Stewart had been acquainted:
    "This is in answer to your letter of yesterday in relation to the Althouse brothers, with whom I was well acquainted.
    "In the spring of 1849 Philip and John Althouse, the former being 21 years old and the latter 19, started from Illinois for the gold fields of California. There were ten men in the party, and they had four wagons. They crossed the plains safely, and when they arrived in the Sacramento Valley the party broke up. The Althouse brothers finally concluded to visit their brother Samuel, who had crossed the plains in 1847, and located at Albany, Oregon, so they sold their team for sufficient money to pay their way by steamer to Portland. Arriving there, they footed it up the valley to Albany, where they worked for some time at anything they could find to do.
    "In the spring of 1851 the two young men went out to Southern Oregon and commenced prospecting for gold. In company with three other men they took the first wagon from the Rogue River Valley into the Illinois River country.
    "In the fall of 1852 the two brothers with a few others discovered gold on a creek flowing into the east fork of the Illinois River, not far from Sucker Creek. These diggings proved to be very rich, and as Philip Althouse was the first one of the prospectors to wash out a pan of the dirt, the creek was named after him--Althouse Creek. The gold was rather coarse, and a great many nuggets were found, one of them in particular being valued at $1200.
    "The two brothers mined in that locality successfully for several years. Philip finally died and was buried there, and John joined his brother Samuel, at Albany, and passed the remainder of his days at this place. He married a Mrs. N. H. Cranor, and died in June, 1916, leaving no children.
    "Capt. Althouse, who has recently [1922] been appointed governor of the Island of Guam, and is now visiting in Albany, is a son of Wm. Althouse, the only one of the four brothers who did not remove from Illinois to this coast."
    Adding further details to the interesting story, Sheriff George W. Lewis says that while placer mining on Althouse Creek at Browntown the mining operations formed a gravel bar on a tributary of Althouse Creek, and when the high water came the current of the creek was changed enough to cut into one bank of the creek and expose the bones of two men who had been buried at that place. Jesse Randall, an old pioneer who had been mining on Althouse for many years, told them that one was the skeleton of Philip Althouse. The bones were placed in a box and reburied further up on the bank.
    Sheriff Lewis says the nugget mentioned in the letter was found by Wm. Saunders, who had been very unsuccessful as a miner, and when he found the nugget he nearly went crazy. Saunders was afterward county assessor for two terms.
    About 1900 Jacob Klippel found a nugget on Boulder Creek, just across the divide from Althouse Creek. This nugget weighed $560.
Unidentified Rogue River Courier clipping circa 1922, Fidler Scrapbook, SOHS MS 208


    The accepted legend is that James Clugage and James Poole bore the same relation to gold mining in Oregon that Bennett and Marshall did to that in California, Clugage and Poole having panned the first color late in 1851, in the gulch where now stands the town of Jacksonville. But a quarter of a century or so ago, when the topic was fresh and also controversial, a number of highly credible witnesses came forward to testify that for some time prior to the autumn of 1851 mining operations were being carried on by a man named Bills, on Big Bar, on the Rogue River, not far from Perkins' ferry. David Linn, later a pioneer settler in Jacksonville, and Wesley McGanigal set out from Oregon City in October, 1851, on foot for Salem, where they outfitted for the California mines. Linn, whose credibility was good and whose story was confirmed by others, said that he and his fellow travelers came upon Bills some weeks prior to the Jacksonville discovery, and that he had then apparently been mining for some time. Another contributor to the history of the period, Lee Laughlin of North Yamhill, laid claim in behalf of his party to having found gold in the Rogue River in September, 1849.
"Gold Discovery on the Pacific Coast," Oregonian, Portland, May 14, 1922, page C8


    "After crossing the mountains by the Green Spring Mountain trail we struck the main north-and-south road near Ashland. A few weeks after we had passed gold was discovered at what is now Jacksonville."
G. W. Riddle, quoted by Fred Lockley, "Impressions and Observations of the Journal Man," Oregon Journal, Portland, August 13, 1925, page 8


    In the late fall of 1851 two young men panned out some gold on Jackson Creek, near where the City Brewery was later built. They told James Clugage and J. R. Poole about it. Clugage and Poole happened to be camped there when the gold was found. Clugage and Poole began prospecting and struck gold in Rich Gulch. Word got out that new diggings had been discovered, where a pint of gold to the man could be panned out daily, so by February 1852 Rich Gulch was stacked and within a month the hills and gulches nearby were staked.

William M. Colvig, quoted by Fred Lockley, Oregon Journal, Portland, May 13, 1927, page 16


    Late in December, 1851, two young men camped on [Jackson] Creek. They were packing flour and other goods to the gold mines of Northern California. After dinner, while washing their tinware in the stream, one of them saw a small nugget. Looking more carefully he found other small nuggets in the stream bed. So little importance did they attach to their find that they did not even stake out a claim. Meeting J. R. Poole and Jim Clugage, they told them of having found gold in their camp on [Jackson] Creek.
    A few weeks later, or, to be exact, early in January, 1852, Clugage and Poole camped there, and near a spring in a ravine, close to [Jackson] Creek, they found coarse gold in large quantities. They staked claims and passed the word on to two friends, Wilson and Skinner. They named their strike Rich Gulch. Soon the rumor ran up and down the trail that new diggings had been struck and that the pay dirt was so rich that a man could pan out a tincupful a day. Farmers in the Willamette Valley heard the rumor, and by daybreak the next morning they were headed south. Miners from creek and gulch and bar of California joined the stampede. By February, Rich Gulch was staked. Appler & Kenney, at Yreka, loaded a pack train with whiskey, tobacco, boots, rough clothing, beans, flour and bacon, and headed north for Rich Gulch. They arrived in February and started a store in a tent. A few weeks later W. W. Fowler put up a log cabin, the first house to go up in the new camp. Western lumberjacks and old-time loggers from Maine felled the nearby trees, whipsawed them into lumber and sold the rough lumber at $250 a thousand.
Fred Lockley, Oregon Journal, in "Memories of Bygone Days Haunt Jacksonville," Medford Mail Tribune, October 1, 1929, page 10  Originally printed in the Journal on September 27, page 10.



    In 1851 two men, Clugage and Poole by name, equipped a pack train at the mining town of Yreka, California, and carried supplies between Yreka and towns in the Willamette Valley. They followed the narrow trail across the Siskiyou Mountains and along the bank of Bear Creek. It was their custom, when they reached this valley, to stop and rest and recuperate their animals. The wild grass grew so high in the valley that the man who herded the mules had to stand on the back of his horse in order to locate the rest of the herd.
    Clugage had worked at mining, and one day while they were in camp in the valley went up into the hills where Jacksonville now is.
    Following up a gulch or ravine, he came to a place where the heavy rains had washed the soil entirely away, leaving a ledge of rock exposed. Taking his bowie knife from his belt he dug around in the rocks and sand and found nuggets of gold. He returned to camp and reported his discovery to Poole; together they went back to the spot and staked out their mining claims.
    Returning to Yreka, they bought a camp outfit and mining tools and returned to work their claims. They had kept quiet in regard to their discovery, but in two months from the time Clugage found the nuggets of gold a thousand men were on the spot. Claims were staked out and every man went to work to dig out the gold. No time was spent in building cabins. A man would throw his saddle blanket over a manzanita bush and put his bed under it; some built shelters of bark and brush, while others put up tents. Fortunes were taken out that winter, and many who had families in the East and elsewhere went back in the spring and summer and brought them to the Rogue River Valley. This was the beginning of the settlement. Some took up land in the valley, while others settled in Jacksonville and Ashland.

"Battle of Table Rock Told by Mrs. Sargent," Medford Mail Tribune, January 3, 1932, page 3  Note the revision in date from Sargent's 1921 version, above.


Discovery of Gold in Jacksonville in 1851
A True Story by

ALICE APPLEGATE SARGENT
    Although I am not a pioneer, but a native daughter of Oregon, and notwithstanding the fact that gold was discovered in Jacksonville before I was born, I give to the readers of this little paper the true story of the discovery, as it was related to me some years ago by the pioneer banker, C. C. Beekman.
    C. C. Beekman came to Jacksonville in the first gold rush in 1851. [He came in 1853.] He was born in the city of New York, but came to Jacksonville from Dundee, N.Y., where his parents were living at that time. He was then only 21 years of age.
    For some time after his arrival in Jacksonville he rode for Wells, Fargo and company, traveling the narrow, steep and rocky trail across the Siskiyou Mountains at night, for
"These were the days of the trail and the footlog
And the flying pony express."
    He told me he could not give me in round numbers just how much gold he had handled.
    The story of the discovery follows.
----
    In 1851 two men, Clugage and Poole by name, equipped a pack train at the mining town of Yreka, California, and carried supplies between Yreka and towns in the Willamette valley. They followed a narrow trail across the Siskiyou Mountains and along the bank of Bear Creek. It was their custom when they reached this valley to stop to rest and recuperate their animals. The wild grass grew so high in the valley that the man who herded the mules had to stand on the back of his horse in order to locate the rest of the herd.
    Clugage had worked at mining and one day while they were in camp in the valley went up into the hills where Jacksonville now is. Following up a gulch or ravine, he came to a place where the heavy rains had washed the soil entirely away, leaving a ledge of rock exposed. Taking his bowie knife from his belt he dug around in the rocks and sand and found nuggets of gold. He returned to camp and reported his discovery to Poole; together they went back to the spot and staked out their mining claims.
    Returning to Yreka, they bought a camp outfit and mining tools and returned to work their claims. They had kept quiet in regard to their discovery, but in some way it became known, and in two months from the time James Clugage found the nuggets of gold a thousand men were on the spot. Claims were staked out and every man went to work to dig out the gold. No time was spent in building cabins; a man would throw his saddle blanket over a manzanita bush and put his bed under it; some built shelters of bark and brush while others put up tents.
    The winter of 1852 was an exceptionally hard one. Snow fell until all trails were completely blocked; flour rose to one dollar a pound and salt was priceless. Some adventurous men went to California on snow shoes to buy salt. Provisions gave out and towards spring the miners had to live on wild game--meat cooked without salt.
    Fortunes were taken out that winter, and many who had families in the East and elsewhere went back and brought them to Jacksonville.
    When the covered wagons rolled into Jacksonville in the fall of 1852 they brought the first white women, but with strong hearts, undismayed, they established their homes in a wild land.
    When the first cabins were built there was no glass for the windows and muslin was tacked over the openings instead.
    This was the beginning of the settlement. Some took up land in the valley, while others settled in Jacksonville and Ashland.
    And now, as the years roll on, the old town sits serenely in the shelter of the surrounding hills, for nothing can take from Jacksonville the historic past. Nothing can dim the glory of those olden, golden days, when Jacksonville was the richest town in Oregon.
Jacksonville Miner, June 17, 1932, page 4


    It was in December, 1851 or January, 1852, that Rich Gulch was struck, the first gold being taken out near the present crossing of Oregon Street. Gold had been found somewhat earlier, on Jackson Creek nearly opposite the site of the old brewery, by two young men who communicated the fact to James Clugage and J. R. Poole, who were traveling through the valley. The result was the discovery of Rich Gulch by Clugage and Poole, who associated with them James Skinner and a Mr. Wilson. who jointly claimed four hundred feet of the gulch. It was not long until the secret of a "discovery" where men could wash out a pint of gold in a day leaked out. In February, 1852, every foot of the gulch was staked out and claimed, and by March the surrounding hills and gulches, in spite of the evident hostility of the Indians, were filled with the rapidly swelling population and soon the first discovery was the center of an extensive mining region. In February a trading post was opened in a tent by Appler and Kenney, packers from Yreka, California. It was by no means a bazaar, the stock comprising only a few tools and a little "tom iron," the roughest clothing and boots, some blackstrap tobacco and a liberal supply of whiskey--not the. royal nectar perhaps, but nevertheless the solace of the miner in heat and cold, in prosperity and adversity. Other traders followed, bringing supplies of every kind. pitching their tents on the most available ground and finding plenty of customers flush with treasure.
Pastor E. N. Mallery, A Brief History of Jacksonville, Its Churches and Schools, 1939



    That James Clugage and J. R. Poole located the first mining claim in the Jacksonville area is not disputed, but there is more than one version of how they happened to discover gold. The two were operating a pack train between Yreka and towns in the Willamette Valley. It was their custom to rest and feed their animals along the banks of Bear Creek, where the wild grass grew high. One day in December, 1851, while they were in camp, Clugage went up into the hills and in a gulch came upon a place where heavy rains had washed away the soil. He dug around in the sand with his bowie knife and found gold nuggets. According to another version the discovery was not by chance--he had been tipped off by two young men who were passing through the country that they had found evidence of gold in the gulch.
"Gold Under Jacksonville," Oregonian, Portland, March 6, 1946, page 14


    Alex J. Rosborough, who has memories and stories of Northern California, is telling us today that near the creek which runs along the east side of Yreka, now called Yreka Creek, Hudson Bay trappers, in the way earlier times, had found camps of Indians, with whom they bartered in trade for fur pelts, and it was to this locality that J. J. Poole and J. M. C. Jones worked their way up the Klamath River from the coast and made a discovery of gold in 1850. Evidently they were not impressed by what they found, or they were traveling through with some other object in view, for they did not remain and it was not until March, 1851, that a discovery of "gold" was made which precipitated one of California's greatest "rushes." "A man by the name of Thompson, and his partner, Bell, while traveling through in company with two companions, Dr. F. G. Hearn, afterwards a dentist at Yreka (whom I knew very well) and Silas J. Day, who, following his experience at mining was judge for many years at Jacksonville, in Oregon, came into the little valley with mules to carry their outfit and camped at a spring to the west and overlooking the present townsite, on a small flat. There the party was overtaken by a rainstorm which lasted for several days. (This spot is located almost in line with what would be the extension of Yama Street, some half mile from the city limits of Yreka. There is no marker to indicate the place, but I hope the newly organized county historical society will soon take care of that.) Around this spring the surface soil was very shallow and the mules in grazing about had pulled up roots of grass full of dirt, from which small pieces of gold were found, washed out by the heavy rain. Thompson dug up some of the dirt and as the result of three pannings proved it to be so rich with gold that Thompson, Hearn and Day decided to stay right there and go to mining. They staked out four claims, the extra claim being for Bell, who was not just then present. Immediately others came to the place of discovery, and when there were about 12 it was decided to name the place. So in honor of the man who had discovered rich pay dirt they named it 'Thompson's Dry Diggins'--the reason why it was designated 'dry' was because the small spring did not furnish a sufficient amount of water for washing the dirt which had to be taken to the creek below for 'rocking.' As there was only one rocker in the crowd and that needed repair, they chopped down hollow oak trees, split the trunks in half, cleaned out the soft, rotten hearts and used screens made of deer hide, improvised rockers to wash out the gold. News of this find spread like wildfire. Other miners came pouring in, some of them bringing 'long toms,' which were capable of handling more dirt, and these superseded the rockers where there was sufficient water to operate them. Wheels were sawed out and carts made to haul pay dirt to the creek. The mad rush for 'gold' was on. Men came swarming in from Sacramento way, from the coast up the Klamath River and from Oregon; some on horseback, some on foot, some were flat broke and without any grub, and there also came men with pack trains of mules, loaded with provisions and tools and whiskey. Stores were opened. At first a long pole leaned against a tree and covered with canvas, to protect the goods, served as a makeshift store for lively business; logs furnished seats, beds were made of boughs, and stones banked up with dirt made the stoves where meals were cooked. All stores sold whiskey at two bits a drink. In other new camps, springing up in faraway places, it sold for half a dollar and even a dollar. Gaming was 'wide open,' and many a miner gambled away at night or on Sunday all that hard work on his claim had brought him."
"Yreka Gold Rush," Oakland Tribune, March 10, 1946, page 19


    In January 1852, James Clugage and J. R. Poole, owners of a mule pack train carrying supplies between Willamette Valley and Yreka, stopped to rest their animals a few days near Bear Creek. Clugage, familiar with gold prospecting in Northern California, wandered into the foothills on the west side of the valley to Jackson Creek and there, in Rich Gulch, struck gold. The first mining claims were taken up by Clugage, Poole and their associates, Sykes, James Skinner and Wilson.
"Rogue River Valley's Early History Reviewed,"
Medford Mail Tribune, October 17, 1948, page 7


ALONG NATURE'S TRAIL
By Ken McLeod

    The lure of "gold" was the strong flame that drew many of our early families to the Lower Klamath River Basin and the gold prospector did much to open new trails through the wilderness, and the year 1851 was one of many discoveries. The discovery of gold at Thompson's Dry Diggings, Jacksonville and at Sailor Diggings were three such prominently famous "strikes."
    The Jacksonville story has been told many times; the others are not so well known. The rise of Sailor Diggings, now Waldo, has not made too much a mark in our history even though it was of considerable importance in the early history of the land we call the State of Jefferson. The story goes that back in 1851 two sailors, lured by the dreams of gold, deserted their ship, which was anchored in the bay that soon was to become known as Crescent City Harbor. The sailors set out overland across the mountains for the newfound gold fields of California. History is mute upon the point, but perhaps it was merely the closeness of the mountains, but more likely it was the undefinable telegraph that spreads the rumor of the nearest "strike" miles away with incredible speed and brings the rushing horde of men lured by the call of "gold!"
    Gold had been found on the Klamath, for Abraham Thompson in March of 1851 had struck it rich at Black Gulch Camp, and 2,000 men flocked there within a period of less than six weeks. Stories of gold "strikes" spread like a prairie fire in those days when men were thinly settled in the great western country. The place was known as Thompson's Dry Diggings; then, a town was laid out in May of 1851, since all men did not have the same degree of digging for gold, and where men went so did those who catered to the needs and pleasures of the hardy seeker of the yellow metal. This mean the city too much follow the call of "gold." This town was called Shasta Butte City, but a year later, in 1852, it became known as Yreka, which is said to be a corruption of an Indian word Wai-ri-ka, meaning--mountain.
    Our sailors never reached this Eldorado, for when they came to the Illinois Valley, they began prospecting at what is now known as Waldo, and for many years the place was just Sailors' Diggings. McArthur has written: "The legislative act of January 22, 1856, creating Josephine County, provided that Sailor Diggings was to be the county seat until the next county election. Waldo was not mentioned. This may mean that Sailor Diggings was also a specific place, or it may mean that the two names referred to the same locality. It is too late in the day to determine the situation exactly. The name Sailor Diggings passed out of use; Waldo survived." McArthur gives the name Waldo as being after William Waldo, who was nominated for Governor of California by the Whig Party of 1853. He had been of service to the settlers and miners in Northern California, and the residents of Sailors' Diggings voted for William Waldo with the notion that they were actually living in California.
    The opening of Sailors' Diggings paved the way for the trail up the Illinois Valley to the sea. Over this route passed the first pioneers to settle the Smith River Valley, traveling from Portland over the old wagon roads to Jacksonville, then to Sailors' Diggings, where the road ended and the poorly defined trail to the coast started.
    The founding of Crescent City likewise is tied into this historic thread, for it has been stated that the town was started by a party of treasure-seekers hunting gold, but this story is only a fanciful tale to cover the actual objective of the party. The expedition was set on foot by a company of miners located at Sailors' Diggings, who sent an agent to San Francisco and whose story succeeded in getting a lot of enthusiasm stirred up for an expedition by sea to the region. As a consequence the schooner Pomona, with Captain Terry as skipper, was chartered by a company organized in San Francisco and supplied for an "exploring" trip to Cape St. George. The expedition was composed of two parties acting jointly by sea and land--the land party was to come from Sailors' Diggings and join the party coming by sea.
    The land party arrived first at Cape St. George and awaited the arrival of the party by sea, which was well equipped with tools and provisions. A. M. Rosborough writes in the San Francisco Herald in 1853: "The party was landed safely from the Pomona on the shore of a beautiful crescent-shaped beach, extending in almost a regular curve for three or four miles in circumference and fronting south, having a reef extending from the southwest point in a southeasterly direction--for some distance and protecting the landing from the effects of the northwest, or trade, winds, which prevail along this coast eight months in the year.
    "The two parties in cooperation laid a land warrant for 324 acres of land upon the most suitable place in their estimation for a town site and had the city run off by the surveyor of Klamath County and then divided the lots and squares among the company and called the town, from the natural shape of the beach, 'Crescent City.'
    Thus the company found the "treasure" they sought; the gold of the miner was over the hill.
Herald and News, Klamath Falls, August 12, 1954, page 25




Last revised December 8, 2023



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