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.

Founded 1884 | Population 90,000 | Peak 90,000 (2024) | County Jackson County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Medford, Oregon

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1884Railroad Town: Medford was founded when the Oregon and California Railroad chose a route through the valley.

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1902Crater Lake: Crater Lake National Park was established nearby, making Medford the primary gateway city.

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1926Pear 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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1962Columbus Day Storm: The most powerful non-tropical storm in U.S. history devastated southern Oregon.

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2020Almeda Fire: The Almeda Drive wildfire destroyed over 2,500 homes in the Medford area, one of Oregon's most destructive fires.

Complete Historical Timeline

1884 Transport

Railroad Town

1902 Culture

Crater Lake

1926 Business

Pear Capital

1962 Disaster

Columbus Day Storm

2020 Disaster

Almeda Fire

Famous People from Medford, Oregon

Lisa Rinna

Actor, Television Presenter · Born Jul 11, 1963 · Age 62

Kyle Singler

Basketball Player · Born May 4, 1988 · Age 37

Jason James Richter

Actor, Musician · Born Jan 29, 1980 · Age 46

Jonathan Stark

Tennis Player · Born Apr 3, 1971 · Age 54

Mark Ryden

Painter · Born Jan 20, 1963 · Age 63

Medford, Oregon

Top 10 Most Important Events for Medford, Oregon

Complete Historical Timeline

Did You Know?

Famous People from Medford, Oregon