Introduction to Grants Pass, Oregon
Grants Pass, Oregon, in Josephine county, is 24 miles W of Medford, Oregon and 215 miles S of Portland, Oregon.
Grants Pass History
Grants Pass was first settled in the late 1840s. Hunters and trappers from the Hudson Bay Company passed through the city in the 1820s. It was named in honor of General Ulysses S. Grant after his capture of Vicksburg. The first post office of this area was established on March 22, 1865. It became the county seat of Josephine County in 1886 and was incorporated in 1887.
Grants Pass and nearby Attractions
- Grants Pass Museum of Art
- Illinois River Forks State Park
- Oregon Caves
- Siskiyou National Forest
- Josephine County Historical Society Museum
- Rogue River
Things To Do In Grants Pass
Grants Pass is home to many parks and open spaces. Some of these include the Westholm Park, Lawnridge Park, Tussing Park, George H Eckstein Park and Riverside Park. The Grants Pass Museum of Art and the Josephine County Historical Society Museum provide insight into the history of this area. The Illinois River Forks State Park, Oregon Caves and Siskiyou National Forest are also worth visiting. Local celebrations include the Asian Cultural Festival, Wild Rogue Balloon Festival and the Josephine County Fair.
Grants Pass Transportation
Rogue Valley International is the nearest major airport.
Grants Pass Higher Education
Rogue Community College and McCain Institute are the local institutions of higher education. Southern Oregon University and Oregon Institute of Technology also offer courses for higher studies.