Contrary to popular belief, Roseburg was not named after the flower. Our name comes from a man called Aaron Rose, a New Yorker who traveled here over the Applegate Trail, which extends for 100 miles through Douglas County.

In 1850, Rose purchased a claim that was originally platted as the townsite of Deer Creek. Early on, Rose’s town wasn’t much more than a tavern and a stopping off place for travelers along the Oregon-California Trail. Later came a grist mill, post office, a school and, in 1857, a new name -- Roseburg.

1872 was a landmark year in Roseburg’s history. In the same year the town officially incorporated, the O&C Railroad also established its southern terminal here. The railroad provided an economic mainstay and, along with a thriving agricultural community, helped define Roseburg’s early development.

Later Roseburg would emerge as a dominant player in the timber industry, a distinction that stands today. Nestled in some of the world’s richest timber land, Roseburg became a major lumber producer during the post-World War II housing boom. At the timber industry’s height, 278 mills operated in Douglas County.

Today Douglas County boasts 2.8 million acres of commercial forest lands, including the largest stand of old growth timber in the world. The timber industry still provides Roseburg’s primary livelihood; however, as the community adjusts to the changing timber market, our local economy has grown increasingly diverse. In recent years, Roseburg’s friendly business climate and outstanding quality of life have helped attract many new businesses, large and small, creating in our community an exciting period of economic growth.