Shaniko, Oregon

Oct. 3, 2016: Former school building, now a chapel in Shaniko, Oregon.

In 1900, the railroad arrived and Shaniko quickly becoming the “Wool Capital of the World," as Oregon ranchers could quickly ship their products to Portland. Population soared to 500 in 1910. But in 1911, another railroad line through Bend, Oregon, by-passed Shaniko allowing wool and other farm products a better transportation route. Shaniko starting a slow decline.

In 1942 the railroad has pulled out. Today it’s nearly a ghost town with about 30 residents.  

A healthy preservation program has kept many Shaniko buildings is good condition. Summer brings plenty of tourists. A festival - Shaniko Days - is held the first weekend in August.

The center of town is dominated by the two story Skaniko Hotel and Cafe. But the building is closed - a developer pulled out over ten years ago. But there are plenty of gift shops, small museums and old cars to check out.

My planned two hour stop became and entire afternoon. I've posted about 60 images are in this flick album: 2016 Shaniko, Oregon.