Shaniko Ghost Town
Abandoned Ghost Town in Fossil, Oregon, United States
Jan 23 2022
| Recent status | Abandoned |
| Location # | 18289 |
Hazards of Shaniko Ghost Town
Shaniko is partially desert due to its shortage of water. Freshwater springs that supplied Shaniko town with water declined to render it water inadequate. The current owner has tried drilling wells but this also never worked.
History of Shaniko Ghost Town
Shaniko’s riches were first discovered in 1862 which brought European Americans to the region to exploit the mines. With only two mines in its early operational days, Shaniko produced a large number of pure gold ores. The government later built a military wagon road from Dalles to Fort Boise (in Idaho state) to prevent robbery and theft of gold in transit. The introduction of the military wagon attracted many people and by 1900, a post office was opened and it was called Shaniko post office. Shaniko city was incorporated into a city in Wasco County a year later after the post office opened.
Shaniko ghost town is a tourist attraction, an old town deserted in the late 1900s. Located in Carson City, Oregon, Shaniko was one of the many mining towns in the North West. Having been deserted, the town was left to rot and decay in Macleay Forest Park.
\n Shaniko becomes the wool capital of the world
By 1900, Shaniko had developed to be the fifth-largest city in Wasco County. Unlike other mining towns, Shaniko town ventured on wheat and animal rearing. It supplied the whole state of Oregon and the neighboring states with wool and other farm products. A railroad station set at Shaniko town made it possible for the town to export tons of wool around the nation and globally. Shaniko town was crowned “wool capital of the world” after its major export of 2500 tons of wool and millions worth of wheat and cattle for 3 consecutive years**.**
What happened to such a promising town?
In 1911, an alternative railroad that was quick and direct was built to connect Portland to Washington. This cut-off of Shaniko railroad and station resulted in the shutting down of the passenger train in the region. The once-promising town could no longer transport wool and this led to its slow decline. It was declared a ghost town in 1959 though not officially.
\n What is the current condition of Shaniko town?
Restoration of the town was futile when a local developer attempted to revive it. He later sold it to Robert Pamplin jr. No restoration has been done and the town still stands in despair but is open to the public for visits. Some of the stores and business premises work seasonally selling items to tourists. Shaniko is still private property and you will probably be charged for tours around the extensive deserted town. Trespassing is also not allowed at the property at any given time.
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