When the pioneers climbed over the Siskiyou Mountains and saw the green expanse of the Rogue River Valley ahead of them, many decided to go no further and settled here. Later, when mineral springs were found, their Lithia water was piped in; it now gushes from fountains on this city's plaza. Tourism, education, and small industry support the town. Southern Oregon University College (1926) makes Ashland a regional education center. The Rogue River National Forest is on three sides; a Ranger District office is located here.