First Carload of Express Melons in Grants Pass - 1886
Local farmers have brought wagon loads of melons to the depot for shipment to hungry customers in the cities to the north. Despite its name, the Oregon & California Railroad shown here would not actually reach California until the following year.
The 1880s were heady times for the new community. On Christmas eve 1883, the railroad arrived from Portland. In 1885, county boundaries were adjusted to move Grants Pass from Jackson to Josephine County, in order to have a railroad head in the new county.
And in 1886 Grants Pass was chosen the new county seat of Josephine County. This view gives us a great window into life on the frontier at that time. Especially note in detail view 2 a boy entertaining himself (and perhaps his wagon driver) by playing the harmonica.
-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.
Photographer | Unknown |
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Location | Grants Pass |
Subject | Trains, Railroads, Streetcars |
Decade | 1880s |
Print Maker | Old Oregon |
Original Type | Boudoir Card |
Size of Original | 4.8 x 7.6 inches |