Have you ever been to Kent, Oregon? Probably not! This town was once a bustling railway community, but today it's mostly abandoned. Founded in 1887, the peak population was 250 in 1905. Kent qualifies as a ghost town, but it still has a United States Post Office and a Baptist church, and 67 people lived in Kent as of 2018. This mostly abandoned town in Oregon is about two and a half hours from Portland and almost two hours from Bend. If you ever find yourself in the area, stop on through. As you can see, it's a very photogenic abandoned place and you'll love exploring it.
When you visit Kent, you'll be amazed at the number of abandoned buildings that are still standing. They are in decline, but they are still there, and it's interesting to think about what this town must have been like long ago.
However, there's still some life in this town, too. The grain elevator still works and is in use. Be sure to be respectful to the people of Kent if you choose to visit this town.
Kent is right on Highway 97, so even as its population declined over the years, numerous businesses stayed open to serve people passing through into the mid-20th century.
These buildings surely served a lot of travelers when they were open and operational. Today, they stand empty and abandoned.
It's so quiet in Kent.
These buildings have stories to tell - if only they could speak.
Once, a family called this farm in Kent home. It was a homestead of which they were surely proud.
Imagine the people who once lived here. What were their lives like? What were they like? Were they friendly? Were they happy?
Today, nature is reclaiming much of Kent.
Someday, these buildings will all be swallowed up by the earth as they collapse and decompose.
Grass and bushes will cover them and they will completely disappear. What did the people of Kent think the future would be like for their hometown?
Kent is certainly an interesting place to visit. Stop on into town and be sure to bring your camera and your imagination. And remember, be sure to be very respectful to the people who still live there! Stay off private property. Take only pictures and leave nothing but footprints. You'll love visiting Kent.
Are you looking for more ghost towns to visit in Oregon? Check out this list for more! Visit These 10 Creepy Ghost Towns In Oregon At Your Own Risk
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