Oregon’s ghost towns are fascinating places that take us back in time. Long ago, people built their homes, churches, and schools in these towns, and were full of hope and anticipation for the future. While those folks eventually moved on to pursue other dreams, the abandoned buildings will tell their own stories, if you’re ready to listen.
You can visit the little ghost town of Golden at the Golden State Heritage Site in Josephine County, and it has a compelling history.
You’ll find the Golden State Heritage Site 23 miles north of Grants Pass. Oregon Parks & Recreation purchased the land in 2002, and it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places that year, too.
James Bridges/Google
The town of Golden was founded in 1890, during the gold rush. People flocked to the area around Coyote Creek when gold was found, and quickly set up their claims.
Jennifer Lewallen/Google
The town had around 150 residents during its boom. The Golden Mercantile provided dry goods and sundries, and the town’s post office opened in 1896.
Ross Steensland/Google
Recreation included visiting with neighbors and getting the latest gossip at the mercantile…
Ross Steensland/Google
…or attending one of the two churches in town. Golden was a unique gold miners town in that it didn’t have a single saloon. The members of the Ruble Family, who established the town, were strict Campbellites, and drinking was not allowed.
Tyler Kinert/Google
When the gold dried up, people began to move away. By 1920, the post office was closed, and most folks had found new dreams to pursue. The town was completely abandoned by the mid-1900s.
Kari Clark/Google
Today, visitors to the Golden State Heritage Site can wander through the little town to see its remaining buildings, which include the mercantile, one of the churches, a home and a barn.
Caleb Friend/Google
You’ll find a few old headstones here, but there aren’t any graves. An episode of the TV show Gunsmoke was filmed in Golden, and the headstones were placed here as props and never removed.
Tim/Google
You’ll also find a marker for Webster Martin Ruble, who was born in Golden in 1900. He’s actually buried in Washington, but his son moved this memorial plaque from his grave and placed it here.
James Bridges/Google
It’s free to visit the Golden Heritage Site. In addition to the old buildings, there’s a kiosk with information about the town’s history, a few picnic tables, and some portable restrooms.
Oregon State Parks
Have you explored the little ghost town of Golden? Tell us about your adventure in the comments, and tag the people you want to take with you next time!
James Bridges/Google
Jennifer Lewallen/Google
Ross Steensland/Google
Tyler Kinert/Google
Kari Clark/Google
Caleb Friend/Google
Tim/Google
Oregon State Parks
Learn more about Golden State Heritage Site on the Ogden State Parks website.
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Address: Golden State Heritage Site, Wolf Creek, OR 97497, USA
