Kerby is a Class E6 ghost town.
This former gold mining town is on US 199, five miles south of Selma, and just north of Cave Junction. Kerby was established around 1850 after a mule carrying a pool table collapsed and died here. Not being able to get paid for the failed delivery of the pool table to Althouse,“Tig” Martinez, erected a tent over the pool table and advertised a new saloon. Was a major mining camp through the 1850s with some 500 people. Several old houses, including one restored and turned into a museum.
Unfortunately the museum has been closed every time I’ve ever been in the area.
Kerby Old Building
Kerby was also the site of Fort Hay.
1. Comment by Andrea
19/Dec/2011 at 9:31 am
Well that is the second time I have heard that type of town-founding story… Mitchell had one version that said a Mitchell wagon with a load of alcohol broke down there while heading toward Canyon City. They erected a tent over it and sold alcohol right there… hence the name Mitchell, for the wagon. I have also heard two more, and they sound more likely. Have you heard other stories like this?