Beekman's Express & Banking Office - Jacksonville, Oregon
Posted by: 
ddtfamily
N 42° 18.860 W 122° 58.065
10T E 502657 N 4684677
Historic Gold Rush-era bank building, now housing informational displays
Waymark Code: WMG0D6
Location: Oregon, United States
Date Posted: 12/28/2012
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 structure is named for C.C. Beekman, who operated a bank and express messenger service in this building. 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.
