ASHLAND — Ashland, Ohio and Ashland, Oregon share a multitude of similarities: They have the same name, similar populations and are both home to universities.
However, the relationship between the two cities stems even deeper. Ashland, Oregon was actually named after Ashland, Ohio over 150 years ago.
For historical context, it’s important to know that Ashland, Ohio was originally established in 1815 as Uniontown. Due to the popularity of the name, the city of Uniontown underwent a name change in 1822. The city was officially dubbed Ashland.
The name was originally tabbed by supporters of Kentucky Congressman Henry Clay, who’s estate in Lexington, Kentucky was known as Ashland. Ashland, Kentucky also shares the same namesake.
A carpenter born in Ashland, Ohio, Abel Helman, learned his trade in Wooster and later sailed to San Francisco, California on a ship called the Ohio in an attempt to make a fortune during the California Gold Rush.
In 1851, he led a team of mule-riders through northern California and into Jackson County, Oregon, where he stumbled upon a piece of land nestled in between two mountain ranges: the Cascade and the Siskiyou.
In 1852, Helman claimed the land through the Donation Land Claim Act and settled there with his family. He named the encampment “Ashland Mills” after his birthplace of Ashland, Ohio. “Mills” was later dropped from the name.
Helman lived in Ashland, Oregon for the remainder of his life. He became a mountain ranger and the first postmaster of Ashland, Oregon — a title he held for 27 years. He died in 1910.
Helman Elementary School was named after Abel and has remained in operation in Ashland, Oregon since 1966.
According to the Mayor of Ashland, Oregon, Julie Akins, their Ashland features fertile soil and a healthy crop environment, which she attributes to local Native American practices and influence. The community is known for its fruits, berries and hemp.
“We’re a biodiversity hotspot, which means we’re a really important place on the planet Earth because we’re a sort of nexus. We’re the meeting ground for a lot of different species,” Akins said. “It is just an important place in terms of its ecological standing.”
The regional environment plays a key role in Ashland, Oregon’s city government, as the city charter separates the city council and the parks and recreation commission as two distinct elected bodies. Lithia Park, which features a paramount creek flowing through it, is a highlight of the city.
“Parks here are a big deal,” Akins said. “We care a lot about our environment. Lithia Park is a huge and gorgeous park that is set along Ashland Creek.”
The town is located near the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from Mexico to Canada. Hikers frequently stop at Ashland, Oregon during their journey.
Reciprocating Ashland, Ohio’s Balloonfest, the Oregon community hosts the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, attracting individuals from across the globe.
“We have one of the nation’s best theatre troupes here,” Akins said. “It’s Tony-award-winning theatre. It’s on the national stage.
“We’ve had playwrights here who have written amazing productions, and so it’s kind of a cool thing for a small town that brings people from all over the world.”
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from spring until fall and features worldwide known performers and symphonies.
Ashland, Oregon and Ashland, Ohio may reside near opposing coasts, but the shared heritage solidifies this fact: Once you are an Ashlander, you are always an Ashlander.
