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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

Apr 18, 2026
Trump’s Psychedelic Pivot: Executive Order Accelerates Review of Mind-Altering Drugs for Mental Health Crisis
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to fast-track the review and potential app…
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…
Feb 23, 2016
Man who Got Drunk Fell Asleep Outside Bar Awakens Find Surprising Note his
A man in Oregon woke up outside a neighborhood bar last week with a pounding headache and no memory of how he ended up on the pave…
Feb 23, 2016
Trump Oregon Shooting if Somebody had Gun Results Wouldve Been Better
Roseburg, Oregon (February 23, 2016) — Donald Trump, then the Republican frontrunner in the presidential race, sparked backlash …
Jan 12, 2016
Good Morning Baby Victim Sent Heartbreaking Last Text Boyfriend Oregon
PORTLAND, Ore. — A young woman sent her boyfriend a simple morning greeting just before she was killed in what police are callin…
Nov 17, 2015
New Utah Bill Would Allow Some Terminally Ill Patients Right Die
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – On November 17, 2015, Utah lawmakers took a bold step toward changing how the state handles end-of-life c…

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

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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
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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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