Takilma, Oregon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Takilma, Oregon
Census-designated place
Takilma, Oregon Location in Oregon Show map of Oregon Takilma, Oregon Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Country	United States
State	Oregon
County	Josephine
Area
• Total	5.94 sq mi (15.39 km2)
• Land	5.94 sq mi (15.39 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation	1,576 ft (480 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	423
• Density	71.18/sq mi (27.48/km2)
Time zone	UTC−08:00 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC−07:00 (PDT)
ZIP Code	97523
Area code(s)	458 and 541
FIPS code	41-72400
GNIS feature ID	1150841

Takilma is a small community in Josephine County, Oregon, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community, which means it does not have its own local government like a city. It is also a census-designated place (CDP), which is a special area defined by the government for counting people.

Takilma is located about 10 miles (16 km) south of Cave Junction. It sits near the East Fork Illinois River. In 2010, about 378 people lived there. By 2020, the population grew slightly to 423 people.

This community is often seen as an alternative place to live. It is also an informal artist colony, meaning many artists live and work there. For example, Kendall Art Glass is located in Takilma. The area is also famous for a unique tree house resort called Out'n'About.

Community Population

The number of people living in Takilma has been counted by the U.S. government. In 2010, there were 378 residents. By 2020, the population had grown to 423 people.

Takilma's Past

Takilma has an interesting history. It was first called "Taklamah." This name was likely given by a man named Col. T. W. Draper. He may have named it after a local Indian chief.

The name was officially changed to "Takilma" in 1902. This new name came from the Takelma tribe, who lived near the Rogue River. A post office served the community from 1902 until 1967. After the post office closed, the building became a general store. Sadly, this store later burned down in 1988.

A New Way of Life

In the winter of 1968, many people, sometimes called hippies, started moving to the Illinois Valley. They were part of a "back to the land" movement. This meant they wanted to live a simpler life, often in rural areas, and grow their own food. Takilma became a popular spot for them.

At first, some businesses in nearby Cave Junction were not happy about the new arrivals. Signs appeared saying, "We do not solicit hippy patronage." However, the new residents stayed and became an important part of the community. They helped create many useful organizations and services.

Community Contributions

The new residents of Takilma started several important community projects:

• Health Care: In 1973, they opened the Takilma People's Clinic. This was the first new doctor's office in the Illinois Valley in many years. It later became the Siskiyou Community Health Center. This health center has since grown and now has clinics in Grants Pass and Roseburg.
• Education: The Dome School opened in 1975. It offered a different kind of education compared to public schools. Today, it teaches about 60 children each year, from preschool to high school. It also has a summer program for children who need extra support.
• Fire Protection: The Illinois Valley Fire District's Takilma station was started in the late 1970s. Its firefighters helped battle the large Longwood fire in 1987.
• Music: In 1994, a Takilma resident named Jim Rich formed the Jefferson Baroque Orchestra. This orchestra has been performing for many years in places like Grants Pass and Ashland.
• Environment: Many of the new residents were activists who cared about the environment. In 1982, they created the Siskiyou Regional Education Project. This group works to protect the local environment.

These efforts show how the people who moved to Takilma helped build a strong and caring community.

See also

In Spanish: Takilma para niños