History is Rewritten in Reedsport, Oct. 17

A brand new interpretive historical marker has been installed at a Reedsport wayside along US Hwy 101 (at Milepost 211 about 1/2 mile north of Reedsport). A replacement, the new and improved Jedediah Smith Historical Marker, documents Smith’s contributions t o mapping the Oregon Territory for subsequent generations. The new marker also corrects historical and cultural inaccuracies with help from the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians and the Oregon Trails Advisory Council. Jedediah Smith’s explorations in the American West began when he was 21 and lasted until his death at age 32. He crisscrossed the state in search of beaver pelts and new trade and travel routes. His exploration journals helped craft the first accurate maps of what is now the western United States. The Jedediah Smith interpretive marker is one of 110 markers within the state’s official Historical Marker Program.