Heart of the Dunes 2009

A town replete with history

Published: Thursday, June 4th, 2009 The community of Gardiner is a favorite among history buffs from all over the U.S. Driving through this tiny spot in Douglas County along U.S. Highway 101, it's hard not to be intrigued by the historic homes and historic church that dot the hillside.

Gardiner was once a logging and mill town, and one of the region's earliest towns thanks to the nearby Umpqua River. Historic homes and a small hillside cemetery hint at Gardiner's rich history. In fact, there are 64 historic structures and 23 historic sites around this area. Not bad for a community with only about 270 residents.

If you're in the area and want to learn more, there's a historical marker that mentions the waterway's history and how human industry has worked alongside the elements.
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