Established in 1890, this mining town was unique in Western annals in that it had two churches and no saloons. The miners went to Placer off Grave Creek for "refreshments".
Rev. William Ruble, leader of a group commonly known as "Campbellites" built the church in 1852. He was ordained and the church simultaneously dedicated by County Judge Stephen Jewell. Shortly afterward it became the Free Methodist Church. Another group led by Rev. Mark Davis used the schoolhouse for their services. Both ministers worked local mining claims.
Placer activity on Coyote Creek began in the 1850's. Abandoning these claims during the Idaho gold rush of 1860, the men returned to find them being worked by about five hundred Chinese for ten cents per day plus rice. The Chinese contractor yielded possession.
A two and one-half mile pipeline supplied water for the "Giants" (hydraulic nozzles) resulting in the recovery of one and one-half million dollars in the next few years.
The Josephine County School Superintendent, Lincoln Savage, traveled by train from Grants Pass to Wolf Creek, rode his bicycle to Golden. and continued to the Greenback Mine by tramway to visit the schools.
Wilma Gilkey and Edith Allen were among the early teachers. As late as 1906, there were still thirty-six children in this school.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Wolf Creek, OR  |  Josephine County  |  97497  |  Oregon  |  United States of America

GOLD!
The Apple Gate Trail
Febble, Hungry, and Haggard
Early Traveler Accommodations
Wolf Creek Tavern
Grave Creek Ranch
The Applegate Trail
Applegate Trail - Grave Creek
The Applegate Trail
"Grave Creek"

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.