Wolf Creek in Josephine County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Gray's Ranch
Photographed by Adam Filippone
1. Gray's Ranch Marker
Henry & Rebecca McMichael were the first to settle this "little meadow in about 1873. Called "Lonesome Cove Ranch and later "McMichael Station" by newsmen who stayed while writing about mining. In 1875 Nathaniel McNair established his pack trail from "Yank Ledge", carrying three tons of ore a day, connecting here with trails north and south. With rooms and meals available, it was popular with miners, packers and travelers. After Henry's death, Rebecca married Gebhard Karg in 1887 and continued serving guests. Divorced, she married William Anderson in 1904 and sold in 1906 to George Strong, who ran cattle. Slim & Jean Gould purchased in 1924, then sold in 1930 to Charles "Buster" & Mary Gray. Their descendants are still here today. By 1902, nearly a thousand men worked supporting the mines of Leland, Lower Grave Creek and Mt. Reuben. These mines made some men rich, some broke, and others, merely a living.
Dedicated June 11, 2016.
Umpqua Joe Chapter 1859
The Ancient & Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus o charter doin's here june 11, 2011/8016.
Erected 2011 by E Clampus Vitus, Umpqua Joe Chapter 1859.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce
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Location. 42° 38.72′ N, 123° 30.042′ W. Marker is in Wolf Creek, Oregon, in Josephine County. It is on Lower Grave Creek Road, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located south of the Gray's Ranch Lookout. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wolf Creek OR 97497, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Oregon. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Applegate Trail - Grave Creek (approx. 6.3 miles away); Grave Creek Ranch (approx. 6.3 miles away); a different marker also named The Applegate Trail (approx. 6.3 miles away); "Grave Creek" (approx. 6.3 miles away); Wolf Creek Tavern (approx. 6.3 miles away); Early Traveler Accommodations (approx. 6.4 miles away); Feeble, Hungry, and Haggard (approx. 6.4 miles away); a different marker also named The Applegate Trail (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wolf Creek.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Applegate Trail (was approx. 6.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2021, by Adam Filippone of Central Point, Oregon. This page has been viewed 1,184 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on February 18, 2025, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photo 1. submitted on June 2, 2021, by Adam Filippone of Central Point, Oregon. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
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