Established: Jan. 22, 1856

Elev. at Grants Pass: 948'

Area: 1,641 sq. mi.

Average Temp.: January 39.9° July 71.6°

Assessed Value: $8,826,186,630

Real Market Value: $13,718,465,776 (includes the value of non-taxed properties)

Annual Precipitation: 32.31"

Economy: Tourism, recreation, forest products, electronics and software

Josephine County, named for Virginia “Josephine” Rollins, the first white woman to make this county her home, was established in 1856 out of the western portion of Jackson County. The county seat was originally located in Sailor Diggings (later, Waldo), but in July of 1857 was relocated to Kerbyville, situated on the main route between the port of Crescent City, California and the gold fields.

The discovery of rich placers at Sailor Diggings in 1852 and the resulting gold rush brought the first settlers to this region. Several U.S. Army forts were maintained in the county, and many engagements during the Rogue River Indian War (1855–1858) took place within its boundaries. In 1886, the county seat was finally relocated to Grants Pass, a new town on the railroad that was completed through Oregon that same year. Grants Pass is now the departure point for most Rogue River scenic waterway guided fishing and boat trips. The Illinois River, one of the Rogue’s tributaries, has also been designated a scenic waterway.