Kerbyville

Southern Oregon's Christmas Eve Town

Stories from the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains, Cave Junction, Oregon

One of the first major communities in southwest Oregon came into existence on Christmas Eve of 1857 when the town plat was submitted at the county seat of the fledgling Josephine County.

It became bustling town located along the main packing trail between Jacksonville and Crescent City. At one time mule trains of twenty to sixty animals passed through town along with stage coaches and perhaps steam driven tractors pulling trailers of giant logs to lumber mills.

Over time the procession of pack trains and horse drawn wagons gave way to motorized vehicles when Main Street became Highway 199. Many of the buildings faded away with the past until most of the town known as Kerbyville has almost disappeared.

Today, two buildings stand where the center of town started almost 150 Christmas' ago. Stop for a minute the next time you travel through Kerby and imagine the bustle of wagons, the brays of mules and clusters of buildings lining the fringe of what was once the main commerce trail between Jacksonville and Crescent City. The old Masons building has photos of town and the Kerbyville museum down the street has other displays.

Story by Roger Brandt

Sources

Pfefferle, Ruth. 1995. Golden days and pioneer ways. Bulletin Publishing Company, Grants Pass, Oregon. Page 63-64

Gerald Work. Interview with the current owner of the historic Kerbyville Masonic Temple

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...