GOLD DISCOVERED
JUNE, 1862
Valued at $26 Million, the discovery soon led to a poplulation boom, making Canyon City the largest city in Oregon within a year. Visit the HISTORY page to learn more about the rush for gold in Grant County. Also visit our EXHIBITS page to get a peek at some of our exhibits that feature gold mining equipment used in the days of the gold rush.
CHINESE LABORERS ARRIVED
When news spread of the discovery of gold, Chinese workers came to work in the gold fields. In 1870, the Chinese population in Grant County was 970. These industrious people also worked as cooks, laundrymen, merchants, a shoemaker, a tailor, and the most well known was Doc Ing Hay, who could diagnose illness by feeling a person's pulse. Click on our RESOURCES page to find links to where you can learn more about Grant County's historical patrons.
JOAQUIN MILLER,
"POET OF THE SIERRAS"
Joaquin Miller was most well known as a poet but his careers also included 19th century lawyer, judge, pony express rider, newspaperman, teacher, cook, miner, and conservationist. He was the Second County Judge for Grant County, and the museum features exhibits dedicated to his time here, including the JOAQUIN MILLER CABIN.
FIRE SWEEPS THROUGH
CANYON CITY
Not once, but three times fire has plagued the town of Canyon City. The first fire was in 1878, which was followed by another in 1898, and lastly in 1937. One of the only buildings to have survived all three fires is the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, which still stands in Canyon City today. Visit our LOCAL ATTRACTIONS page to find out more about the church and other historical places to visit in Grant County.
RANCHING AND TIMBER INDUSTRIES
After the initial population boom that resulted from the gold rush, the area soon became dominated by both the ranching and timber industries. From 1870 until the present day, these industries have comprised the bulk of Grant County's economy. The museum includes many EXHIBITS that showcase items collected from the first days of both of the industries' history. From displays that feature ranching and logging equipment to period clothing and housewares, you can truly get a look at what work and homelife were like for the ancestor's of this great county.
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WELCOME TO GRANT COUNTY 1862
WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE HISTORY
OF CANYON CITY AND GRANT COUNTY
 Walking into Grant County Historical Museum is like stepping back into the past. Located in Canyon City, in the heart of Grant County, the museum features a wide range of exhibits that will take you back in time. Back to the days of the first Gold Miners, and the Pioneer Settlers. Back to the beginnings of the Ranching and Timber industries here in Grant County, and back to a time when Canyon City was not a small town, but rather the largest city in Oregon.
Our exhibits are designed to give you insight into the lives of the people who first settled here. Not only does the museum focus on the pioneers and gold miners, but includes education about the Native Americans of the area, and the Chinese immigrants who came to work in the gold fields. Here you will learn about the wide array of people who have influenced what Grant County has come to be today. 
The lives of some of the more colorful ancestors of Grant County can be explored. Joaquin Miller, one of the most famous patrons of Grant County, is highly featured. His Log Cabin is one of the main attractions, as well as the jail from Greenhorn, Oregon.
Whether you live in Grant County, or are just passing through, you won't want to miss the opportunity to visit Grant County Historical Museum. The place "WHERE HISTORY COMES ALIVE!"
Seasons and Admissions
Open May 1 through September 30
Monday - Saturday
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
By reservation during the off season & on Sundays
Admission:
Adults 18-61 $4.00
Seniors 62 & over $3.50
Children 7-17 $2.00
Children 6 & under FREE
Grant County Historical Museum
101 South Canyon City Boulevard
P.O. Box 464
Canyon City, OR 97820
(541)575-0362
info@gchistoricalmuseum.com
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