Introduction to Kent, Washington
Kent is located in the Green River Valley in King County and is recognized as an outlying suburb of the city of Seattle. Kent includes three distinctive areas, the East Hill, the Valley and the West Hill. A Boeing facility and the headquarters of REI and Oberto Sausage are situated in the city along with a large number of warehouses. Whirlpool and General Electric Appliances have distribution facilities in Kent.
In 2003 the city was recognized by Sports Illustrated as "Sportstown of the year" for the state of Washington. The impressive Mt. Ranier along with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains can be seen from the city. The Green River runs through the municipality and Lake Meridian is situated on the East Hill. The average annual rainfall is 39 inches.
History
Kent was incorporated in 1890 and was earlier known as Titusville. In 1906 the "Great Flood" temporarily changed the valley into an enormous lake. The Howard Hanson Dam was constructed at Eagle Gorge to prevent serious flooding in the future. The dam allowed extensive commercial development to take place in the valley which led to Kent becoming a primary distribution center. Before the extensive development took place in the 1960's and 1970's, the city was renowned for its fertile soil and was formerly known as the "Lettuce Capital of the World." Hops were also a major crop.
Attractions
- Kent Station is a huge entertainment center which also includes retail businesses, and numerous restaurants
- Kent Cornucopia Days
- Kent Farmers Market
- Greater Kent Historical Society Museum is an attractive three-story building and includes a large number of artifacts
- Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum showcases a large number of vintage hydroplanes
- Pacific Raceways International features drag races, motorcycle racing events, vintage car races and other motor sports events
- The Museum of Flight
- Earthworks
Transportation
The city is served by the Sea-Tac International Airport. King County Metro provides local transportation. The Kent station offers bus and rail service to downtown Seattle and other locations.
Higher Education
The Green River Community College is located in the area.