Jacksonville Review – December 2025 / January 2026
JACKSONVILLE plays a pivotal role in the history of McKee Bridge. When the United States entered World War I, it was urgent to haul copper ore from the Blue Ledge Mine. Jackson County wanted a bridge across the Applegate River to avoid treacherous Dead Horse Hill, so horse-drawn wagons wouldn’t collide … and perhaps topple down the cliff.
As such, the County awarded a contract to Jacksonville’s Hartman & Sons, who lived in the Dowell House at 350 N. Fifth Street. Jasten Hartman had an 8th-grade education, no training in engineering, but had become a master builder and Deputy Sheriff. (Some sources use “Jason” but it’s Jasten in notarized legal documents.)
Jasten’s strapping sons were Wes, age 15, and Lyal, 16. Wes was the high climber—“The higher I could get, the better I liked it”—and would become Jacksonville’s mayor.
In 1985 Jackson County stopped budgeting for McKee Bridge. The Roads Engineer advised: “Let her fall into the river in a strong breeze.” Upper Applegate residents formed Save McKee Bridge Committee. MBHS was incorporated in 1999. Volunteers have now funded and performed needed work for forty years.
Join us and support restoration efforts at the 7th-Annual Christmas On A Covered Bridge, on Saturday, December 13, noon to 5pm. It’ll be a festive celebration with baked goods, handcrafted gifts and decor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, free hot beverages, and a painted rock hunt. All proceeds help keep McKee Bridge open and fund scholarships. See you at McKee Bridge!
by Laura Ahearn, McKee Bridge Historical Society