Beekman's Express & Banking Office - Jacksonville Historic District - Jacksonville, Oregon
Posted by: 
ddtfamily
N 42° 18.860 W 122° 58.065
10T E 502657 N 4684677
Historic Contributing 1860's bank building in downtown Jacksonville
Waymark Code: WMFYPG
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 12/18/2012
Views: 2
The Beekman Bank building, built about 1862-63, is one of the few remaining false front wooden commercial buildings in downtown Jacksonville. Outside of the southeast corner of the building is an old cistern pump, with an informational marker, and the bronze plaque commemorating the designation of the City of Jacksonville as National Historic District. In the 1880s and 90s, a sign identified the building as the "Walls Fargo Express" - for many years the sign was absent but a replica was added to the parapet a number of years ago.
The building is named for C.C. Beekman, who operated a bank and express messenger service at this site. Beekman was a prominent historical figure in Southern Oregon, and the wealthiest man in Jacksonville. He made his income from substantial real estate holdings and a local mining operation. Beekman ran as the Republican candidate for Oregon governor in 1878, losing by only 49 votes.
The bank building is now owned by Jackson County and managed by the Southern Oregon Historical Society, which maintains a historical, gold-rush themed display behind glass windows.
