Frankfort, Washington

Frankfort[1], a ghost town located near the mouth of the Columbia River, was originally settled in 1876 in Pacific County, Washington near Portuguese Point. In 1890, a community was platted by two promoters, Frank Bourn and Frank Scott (whence the town's name).[2][3] Together they envisioned a resort community at the location. Lots were sold on the rumor that the railroad would soon build a line through the town (the only access at the time was by boat). A post office, general store, hotel, saloon and a sawmill were built, and a newspaper (the Frankfort Chronicle) was established, which attracted even more investors. The financial Panic of 1893 scared away any more investors, and the future of the town took a downhill turn.

Frankfort continued to survive mainly as a logging town until the late 1940s. Unfortunately, no railroad line ever materialized and Frankfort never prospered. The post office had closed in 1918. The town was sold to a logging company in 1953 and by 1960, it had only two residents.[2]