In 1878 the United States Congress ordered a study be done to determine the feasibility of using a steamship to ferry passengers and goods from Grants Pass to the Pacific ocean.
The following is an excerpt of a news item that appeared in Jacksonville's "Democratic Times."
Colonel Gillespie, United States Engineer in charge of river and harbor improvements, has detailed Philip G. Eastwick as assistant and assigned him the duty of making a preliminary survey of Rogue River from Grants Pass to the sea. From a letter received by C. C. Beekman of this place we learn that Mr. Eastwick is now at the starting point of his survey, making preparations to start down the river as soon as he can secure a suitable craft and a competent boatman. He thinks he will be able to perform the task assigned him in about twenty days. If it is found the river can be rendered navigable for small steamers by the construction of locks and dams, the government would doubtless make, in due time, an appropriation to construct such works. It is not at all improbable that in the near future, those who reside along the margin of the River that courses through our valley to the sea may be startled by the shrill voice of the steamwhistle.
As you can imagine, Mr. Eastwick quickly found the Rogue to be unnavigable for steamers. 75 miles before he reached the mouth of the Rogue, his boat and all its contents were lost in some rapids. From there he walked 44 miles until he reached the mouth of the Illinois River where he was able to find a small boat to take him the remaining 31 miles to Ellensburgh (Gold Beach).
A complete account of Mr. Eastwick's adventure can be read at: Google Books.
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