Ashland

Ashland sits in the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon, close to the California border and along Interstate 5. The town spreads at an elevation of around 1,950 feet (594 meters) and belongs to Jackson County.

The settlement emerged in 1852 under the name Ashland Mills, founded by Abel Helman. In 1935 the Oregon Shakespeare Festival began, shaping the town's growth ever since.

The town takes its name from Ashland County in Ohio, the former home of founder Abel Helman. Today theater and performance shape daily life here, as visitors and locals gather in downtown cafes and restaurants before or after attending a show.

The main street and surrounding side streets are easy to walk, with most buildings close together. Many shops and facilities sit downtown, while Southern Oregon University stands a bit further out.

Lithia Park covers about 93 acres and offers mineral water springs that have drawn visitors for decades. In winter an ice rink opens inside this park, so locals and travelers meet to skate outdoors.

Location: Jackson County

Inception: 1852

Elevation above the sea: 594 m

Website: https://ashlandoregon.gov

GPS coordinates: 42.19139,-122.70083

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:03