In 2020, “Negro Ben Mountain” was officially renamed Ben Johnson Mountain after the early Black blacksmith who lived and worked there in the 1860s. With the change, Ben Johnson Mountain became one of just a few geographic place names in Oregon named for a known Black person. Celebrate the name change with Oregon Black Pioneers by joining other Oregonians for a weekend of outdoor fun and historical appreciation in Southern Oregon!
Event Schedule:
Saturday, June 5th
Exclusive regional wine events: registrants will receive the benefits of a Wine Club Membership for the day at Schultz Glory Oaks (755 Slagle Creek Road, Grants Pass, OR 97527). Free wine flight for registrants at Quady North tasting room (255 E California St, Jacksonville, OR 97530).
4:00 pm: Evening picnic at SOHS’s historic Hanley Farm (1053 Hanley Rd, Central Point, OR 97502). Enjoy music, self-guided tours, and wine for purchase by Quady North. BYO food, or purchase from Freddie Lee’s Seafood Smorgasbord (vegan options available). Bring a towel, lawn games, etc.!
Sunday, June 6th
11:00 am – 4:00 pm: Basecamp at picnic area of Cantrall Buckley Park (154 Cantrall Road, Jacksonville, OR 97530). Oregon Black Pioneers, Southern Oregon Historical Society, and Southern Oregon Laboratory of Anthropology will have history booths, snacks and water, and information. Hike up Ben Johnson Mountain begins from parking area 5 miles from here up Cantrall Road.
11:00 am – 4:00 pm : Open self-paced hikes up Ben Johnson Mountain (trail begins from parking area at 42°12’02.6″N 123°06’05.6″W)
Tickets:
$20 standard ticket price.
Contact to reserve a spot at sliding scale pricing.