The Rock Point Cemetery dates from the 1860’s White Family cemetery, near their stage coach stop, now known as the Del Rio Winery area. Over a hundred years ago, the White family donated about 26-1/2 acres of land for a cemetery in the Rock Point district a few miles west of Gold Hill. The Birdseye family were also founders of this new community cemetery. While the town of Rock Point no longer exists the graves are still there. In the 1920’s a Mr. Slaughterfield is known to have dug his own grave. Over 1000 graves are located in these grounds.
Around 1900 part of the cemetery land was deeded to the IOOF and that side was maintained with regular lot designations and caretaking, but the other side, which became known as the Pioneer Cemetery, declined. In 1955, a group of civic-minded citizens got together, cleaned up the cemetery and recorded tombstones and grave markers.
Reports say a hooded figure with a lantern has been seen strolling through the cemetery, but it disappears when people get too close. Eerie lights and sounds and a green fog have also been reported, and some fire occasionally blazes from the crypts. Visitors’ cars have suffered broken windows while driving through. The hauntings, some say, can be blamed on the nearby Oregon Vortex. (Elizabeth Corethers, 12/2/2004)
Joyce Wayland will lead this tour of the Rock Point Cemetery on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 11am, and share some of her favorite stories. Gather at the front entry just inside the grounds, a little before 11 a.m. Tour is free of charge with no registration required.
Directions: Oregon I-5 to exit 43, Rock Point, just north of Gold Hill. Follow signs for a short distance to 99/Hwy 234. Turn right towards Gold Hill, passing over the Rogue River and continuing to a small Rock Point Cemetery sign on the right side of the road, pointing to a driveway on the opposite side of the road. Turn left onto the drive, go over the railroad track (uncontrolled crossing) and proceed into the cemetery.
About the Southern Oregon Historical Society: Since its inception in 1946, SOHS has made history come alive by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories and artifacts of our common heritage. SOHS manages Hanley Farm in Central Point, the Research Library in Medford and a large collection of artifacts. For more information, call (541) 773-6536, ex. 202, or visit www.sohs.org