The Mythical State of Jefferson.

Map courtesy of K. C. Fulton

I intend for the posts about the State Of Jefferson to focus primarily on the scenic nature of the area; the culture and history of the area; the people past and present; the special driving tours I have taken; and to encourage others to enjoy this area of our nation.

After moving to Southern Oregon in the early 90’s, I was surprised to find that I was really living in an entirely different State. It is not Oregon at all. It is the mythical state of Jefferson. See Wikipedia entry.

“How exciting”, I thought. Since my home state of Jefferson has not been accepted into the United States then I will not have to pay taxes! Oh, darn. I do have to pay taxes. California and Oregon are not giving up that easily. Nice try kid!

The area we call Jefferson is a very interesting place. We have beautiful scenic wonders of nature and a marvelous history of discovery and development. We are surrounded by rugged mountains, National Parks, volcanoes, caverns and caves, high desert plains, lush agriculture, vast lava fields and we are bordered by the great Pacific Ocean. Our cities and towns are not huge but they are wonderful places to live, raise families or to just visit.

Jefferson Public Radio, (JPR), the nation’s largest regional public radio broadcaster reaches most of the people in our mythical state. It is impossible to reach everyone, largely due to the distances involved and the mountain ranges that wander through the state. JPR is owned and operated by Southern Oregon University and extends the University’s regional educational mission by promoting lifelong learning and fostering the development of the human creative and intellectual spirit in the region. JPR is not just one radio station it offers three different services for it’s listeners.