The "Tombstone of Oregon" You’ve Never Heard Of

Discover the "Tombstone of Oregon" that time almost forgot. While thousands of travelers drive right through Kerby, Oregon on the Redwood Highway every year, few stop to uncover the incredible history hidden in plain sight. In today’s adventure, we’re stepping off the highway and into the 1850s to explore Kerbyville—a town that was once a booming county seat and mining hub, with a legacy that rivals the Wild West’s most famous legends. In this video, we explore: The Stony Front Tavern: Home to a 100-year-old fireplace and a wild legend involving a mule, a pool table, and a boxing ring. The Oddfellows Lodge (1876): We got a rare look inside this historic renovation to see original artifacts, including a safe and a desk that have survived for over a century. The Kerbyville Museum: From the beautifully preserved 1880 Nauke House to the original log schoolhouse and a massive vintage printing press, this is a treasure trove of Illinois Valley history. The "Bates Motel" of Oregon: We take a look at the abandoned Holiday Motel and discuss the dark rumors and tragic history that surround it. Cemetery: A peaceful walk through some of the best-preserved 19th-century grave markers in the state, including the final resting places of the pioneers we met earlier in the tour. Whether you're a fan of Pacific Northwest history, ghost towns, or vintage Americana, Kerbyville has a story for you. If you enjoyed this deep dive into Southern Oregon’s past, don't forget to: 👍 Like the video to help others find this hidden history. 🔔 Subscribe to Desert Sky Adventures for more explorations of the West's most fascinating places. 💬 Comment below: Have you ever driven past Kerby? What other "forgotten" towns should we explore next? Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction to Kerby, Oregon 1:07 - The Masonic Temple & Town History 2:45 - The Legend of the Stony Front Tavern 5:40 - Inside the 1876 Oddfellows Lodge 8:20 - Kerbyville Museum & The Noke House 12:50 - Stepping into the 1880s 18:25 - The Grimmit Log Schoolhouse 21:50 - The Abandoned Holiday Motel 23:00 - Exploring the Historic Kerby Cemetery 29:30 - Final Thoughts #OregonHistory #GhostTown #DesertSky Adventures #TravelOregon #HiddenHistory #Kerbyville #WildWest