Oregon’s landscape is dotted with ghost towns, remnants of a bygone era that speak to the state’s rich and varied history. From former mining camps that boomed during the gold rush to towns that were once vital stops on stagecoach routes, these abandoned places offer a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into the past. In this article, we embark on a journey through Oregon’s forgotten history, exploring the stories of these ghost towns and what they reveal about the state’s pioneering spirit.
Oregon is home to more ghost towns than any other state, with historians identifying over 200 such towns scattered across its terrain. These abandoned settlements, such as Shaniko, Hardman, Golden, and Buncom, each tell a tale of hope, hardship, and ultimately, abandonment.
Shaniko: Where the West Still Lives
Once the “Wool Capital of the World,” Shaniko thrived in the early 1900s, serving as a crucial hub for wool, cattle, wheat, and sheep industries. Its decline began when a new railroad connected Portland to Bend, bypassing Shaniko and leading to its gradual abandonment. Today, Shaniko stands as a picturesque ghost town, with many of its buildings still intact, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the Old West.