Discover Jacksonville’s Story in Pictures: A Look at Images of America: Jacksonville by Margaret LaPlante

If you’ve ever wandered through the streets of Jacksonville, Oregon, and felt the echo of the past in its old wooden buildings or quiet, shaded roads, you’re not alone. In her captivating book Jacksonville (Images of America), author and historian Margaret LaPlante takes readers on a visual journey through one of Oregon’s most charming and historically rich towns.

Published as part of Arcadia Publishing’s well-loved Images of America series, this book is a nostalgic tribute to Jacksonville’s gold-rush roots, frontier resilience, and cultural evolution. Through over 200 vintage photographs, many of which come from private collections and local archives, LaPlante tells the story of a town that once bustled with miners, merchants, and pioneers.

What’s Inside?

• The 1850s gold rush that put the town on the map
• The rise and fall of the railroad that changed its fate
• Personal stories from early residents
• The preservation efforts that turned Jacksonville into a National Historic Landmark

The book is organized thematically and chronologically, covering key moments in Jacksonville’s history:

Every page pairs historical images with thoughtful captions that provide just enough context to bring the photos to life. You don’t have to be a historian to appreciate it—LaPlante writes with accessibility and heart.

Why It Matters

Jacksonville isn’t just a town-it’s a snapshot of the American West in transformation. While many former boomtowns faded into ghost towns, Jacksonville survived thanks to local efforts to preserve its character. This book captures that spirit and gives readers a rare chance to see how daily life looked more than a century ago.

Whether you’re a history buff, a Southern Oregon local, or simply someone who enjoys flipping through old photographs, Jacksonville (Images of America) is a gem. It’s also the perfect companion for a walking tour of the town, helping you see beyond the modern-day storefronts to the stories etched into every brick and beam.

Where to Get It:

Get it from our Boorkstore: https://vanportoregon.com/amazon-bookstore/
Or get it here: https://amzn.to/4kPOUdN