The city of Grants Pass is located on the banks of the Rogue River in southern Oregon. The first Post Office was established in 1865 and the town was incorporated in 1887, a year after it had become the county seat. Today the city and surrounding area boasts 35 thousand residents, where, as you quickly become aware.... it's all about the climate! Enjoy the journey. The Rogue River is the centerpiece of Grants Pass. It draws thousands of tourists to it's Wild and Scenic whitewater every year. The river also drew the first people to live in this valley, The Takelma. The Takelma and other indigenous groups lived along the river and flourished for thousand of years. The discovery of gold spurred the first white settlement of the region in 1852. Today the the city has transitioned from a timber based economy to more of a tourism and retail center. In 1922, a group of local businessmen incorporated the Grants Pass Cavemen. Taking their name from the nearby Oregon Caves National Monument. This statue was erected in 1971 to honor the "cavemen" and the recently refurbished statue now greets visitors at the north end of town. Also here is an information center packed full of points of interest for a visit to Grants Pass and the surrounding area. It really is all about the climate as Grants Pass enjoys a climate of short hot summers with mild seasons in between. It is said the "It's the Climate" sign got its start before the turn of the century when business owners would advertise their offerings over the street with similar signs made of cloth. Today the lit sign proudly carries on the tradition.Just past the sign is historic "G" street. Some of the first buildings erected in Grants Pass are here. For the history buff the Josephine County Historical Society is the place to visit. The House Museum is on the corner of 5th and "J" Streets and the Research Library is next door on the corner of 5th and "K" Streets, a few short blocks from the "G" Street Historical District. Grants Pass is known for its parks. Some of which are just a few square feet across. Riverside Park is the largest in the city. The acres of lush grounds are a locals favorite. The park is located on the Rogue River near where the first ferries operated and also where the first bridge over the Rogue River was built in the late 1800's. Opposite of the park is where the jetboats launch for the summer season of trips down the river. Grants Pass, Oregon, I hope you enjoyed the journey.... Until next time... I'm Scott Walter.
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