The city was a major mining, civic, and commercial center from 1852 to 1884, and declined thereafter, leaving a little-altered assemblage of architecture from that period.

It became the principal financial and commercial center in the mining country of southwestern Oregon, and flourished until the 1870s.

Although much was rebuilt afterward, the city's decline in importance was cemented when the railroad bypassed it, and the county seat was relocated to Medford in 1927.

[2] The historic district includes the city's central commercial district, on East California Street, and extends mainly northward to include adjacent residential areas.

The former county courthouse is now a museum property of the local historical society, interpreting the city's history.