In 2013, the Southern Oregon University Laboratory of Anthropology (SOULA) conducted an archaeological excavation within the heart of Jacksonville’s Main Street. Before the familiar sights of Gogi’s Restaurant and quaint homes leading up to the Britt Festival grounds, this area was once a bustling hub of early Jacksonville’s Chinese diaspora community.
This interactive story map has been adapted from a walking tour pamphlet published by SOULA and SOCCA in 2018 highlighting archaeological finds, historic documents and photographs that mark the historic individuals and businesses associated with Jacksonville’s 19th century Chinese community.
Now you can take this same tour from the comfort of your own home, and learn more of southern Oregon’s heritage.
Chelsea Rose is a historical archaeologist who focuses on the settlement and development of the American West. Rose is co-director of the Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project (OCDP), a collaborative research partnership that focuses on Oregon’s Chinese migrant history, and regularly works with the media, students, and community volunteers in an effort to promote archaeological awareness and encourage historical stewardship. Rose serves on the board of the Oregon Historical Quarterly, is chair of the governor appointed Oregon Heritage Commission, is co-host of Underground History on Jefferson Public Radio, and co-editor of the recent volume, “Chinese Diaspora Archaeology in North America,” available from the University Press of Florida.