Jonesboro, Oregon facts for kids

Jonesboro is a historic community in Malheur County, Oregon, United States. It is not an official city or town today, but a small, historic place. You can find it along U.S. Route 20, between the towns of Juntura and Harper, close to the Malheur River.

What Was Jonesboro?

Jonesboro was once an important stop along the Union Pacific Railroad. A "station" on a railroad line was a place where trains could stop. People could get on or off, and goods could be loaded or unloaded. This made Jonesboro a busy spot for a while.

How Jonesboro Got Its Name

The community of Jonesboro was named after a local person. His name was William Jones. He was a cattle rancher who lived in the area. It was common for places to be named after important local figures or landowners.

The Railroad's Role in Jonesboro's Past

The railroad line that ran through Jonesboro was a big part of its history. For many years, trains connected Jonesboro to other places. However, this railroad line was eventually closed down. The tracks were removed in the early 1990s. When the railroad left, it changed Jonesboro forever.

Why is Jonesboro a "Ghost Town"?

Jonesboro is sometimes called a "ghost town." This means it was once a lively place but now has very few or no residents. When the railroad closed, many people moved away. This is a common story for small communities that depended on a single industry, like the railroad.