Situated near the head of tidewater on the mighty Umpqua River about 20 miles upstream from the Pacific Ocean, Scottsburg was one of the region’s earliest settlements. It was named for founder Levi Scott, who ran a mercantile business and other concerns. Ocean-going schooners would sail up here and unload freight and passengers bound for the interior valleys and gold fields of southern Oregon. Disastrous floods through the years took their tolls on the townsite through the years, especially on structures close to the river.

Today’s goods and people travel along Highway 38, which starts in Reedsport and passes through Scottsburg on its way to Elkton, Drain, and eventually, Interstate 5.

A few early-day buildings survive to this day, and are marked by interpretive signs.