Ashalnd Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Ashland

A cultural destination in Southern Oregon's picturesque Rogue Valley, the city of Ashland is surrounded by stunning natural spaces. There's more than one reason to visit here, including world-famous Shakespeare productions and expansive 100-acre urban parks. Other popular things to do include indulging in the region's agriculture and spending the day out shopping and dining in a charming downtown district.

Before the influx of settlers in the mid-19th century, the Shasta people inhabited the valley near Ashland Creek, the city's current location. Traces of early exploration date back to the 1820s when Hudson's Bay Company hunters traversed the area via the Siskiyou Trail. The 1840s saw the arrival of American settlers, culminating in the Rogue River Wars (between the new arrivals and the Native American tribes) by the mid-1850s, amid the land claim conflicts.

The discovery of gold in nearby Rich Gulch in 1851 spurred settlement, with pioneers like Abel Helman and Robert Hargadine establishing the first land claims and essential infrastructure. Flourishing in the 1860s and 1870s, Ashland saw the establishment of schools, churches, and the pivotal Ashland Woolen Mills, a major local employer.

The town's original name "Ashland Mills" pays homage to its founders' origins: Ashland County, Ohio where Abel Helman hailed from, and Ashland, Kentucky, where other founders had family connections. In 1871, the Post Office dropped "Mills" from the name.

The town's prosperity received a boost in 1887 with the arrival of the railroad, connecting Portland and San Francisco. Ashland's scenic beauty inspired community efforts like Ashland Canyon Park, later renamed Lithia Park.

Ashland's cultural prominence blossomed with the inaugural Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances in 1935, evolving into a renowned theater company. Today, this festival draws the most visitors to the city, spanning a season between February and October with over 700 productions.

The energy of the Elizabethan Theatre and theatrical performers spill out across Ashland, adding a unique ambiance to the city found in few other places throughout the country. For extra theatrical showings, the nearby Oregon Cabaret Theatre offers unique dining menus with each show.

The city preserves its heritage through meticulously restored historic structures, including 59 individual buildings and four historic districts.

As a beacon of culture and history in the heart of Oregon, Ashland invites visitors to discover its magic. Take this self-guided walk and explore this enchanting city at your convenience.