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Medford, Oregon

The largest city in southern Oregon, Medford sits in the fertile Rogue Valley and serves as the gateway to Crater Lake National Park. Founded as a railroad town, it became the center of Oregon's pear industry — the Rogue Valley ships pears worldwide — and today anchors a growing metro known for outdoor recreation and mild climate.
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Founded 1884 | Population 90,000 | Peak 90,000 (2024) | County Jackson County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Medford, Oregon

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1884 Railroad Town: Medford was founded when the Oregon and California Railroad chose a route through the valley.
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1902 Crater Lake: Crater Lake National Park was established nearby, making Medford the primary gateway city.
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1926 Pear Capital: Medford became the center of Oregon's pear industry, with Harry and David's famous fruit gift company launching here.
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1962 Columbus Day Storm: The most powerful non-tropical storm in U.S. history devastated southern Oregon.
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2020 Almeda Fire: The Almeda Drive wildfire destroyed over 2,500 homes in the Medford area, one of Oregon's most destructive fires.
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Latest News in Medford

Mar 5, 2026
Oregon Democrats Block ICE Notification for Felony Convicts
Oregon Democratic senators have unanimously blocked a bill that would have mandated state authorities to notify U.S. Immigration a…

Complete Historical Timeline

1884 Transport
Railroad Town
1902 Culture
Crater Lake
1926 Business
Pear Capital
1962 Disaster
Columbus Day Storm
2020 Disaster
Almeda Fire

Did You Know?

1
Medford is the gateway to Crater Lake National Park.
2
The Rogue Valley is known for pears and increasingly for wine.
3
Southern Oregon's largest city and regional hub.
4
Medford is located in Jackson County, Oregon.
5
Medford was founded in 1884.

Famous People from Medford, Oregon

LR
Lisa Rinna
Actor, Television Presenter · Born Jul 11, 1963 · Age 62
KS
Kyle Singler
Basketball Player · Born May 4, 1988 · Age 37
JR
Jason James Richter
Actor, Musician · Born Jan 29, 1980 · Age 46
JS
Jonathan Stark
Tennis Player · Born Apr 3, 1971 · Age 54
MR
Mark Ryden
Painter · Born Jan 20, 1963 · Age 63

Other Cities in Oregon

View all Oregon cities →
P
Portland
Pop. 652,503
S
Salem
Pop. 182,620
E
Eugene
Pop. 178,961
G
Gresham
Pop. 115,000
H
Hillsboro
Pop. 110,000
B
Bend
Pop. 108,000
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