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Kent, Washington

Located in King County, Washington, Kent was established in 1855. Kent was once known as the 'Lettuce Capital of the World' before suburban and industrial development replaced farms. Kent is one of the largest warehouse and distribution centers in the Pacific Northwest.

Founded 1855 | Population 136,588 | Peak 136,588 (2024) | County King County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Kent, Washington

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1855 Settlement in White River Valley: Settlers farm the fertile river valley south of Seattle.

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1890 Incorporated as Agricultural Hub: Lettuce Capital of the World; major produce region.

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1962 Boeing Expansion: Boeing Space Center operations expand into Kent area.

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1990 Industrial Transition: Warehouses replace farms; Kent becomes distribution hub.

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2010 REI Headquarters: Outdoor recreation company maintains major presence.

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2020 Amazon Warehouses: Multiple Amazon fulfillment centers in Kent area.

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Complete Historical Timeline

1855 Culture

Settlement in White River Valley

1890 Business

Incorporated as Agricultural Hub

1962 Industry

Boeing Expansion

1990 Business

Industrial Transition

2010 Business

REI Headquarters

2020 Business

Amazon Warehouses

Did You Know?

1

Kent was once known as the 'Lettuce Capital of the World' before suburban and industrial development replaced farms.

2

Kent is one of the largest warehouse and distribution centers in the Pacific Northwest.

3

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's space company, has a major facility in Kent.

4

Kent is located in King County, Washington.

5

Kent was founded in 1855.

Famous People from Kent, Washington

RS

Rodney Stuckey

Basketball Player · Born Apr 21, 1986 · Age 39

PM

PZ Myers

Zoologist, Biologist · Born Mar 9, 1957 · Age 68

CV

Courtney Vandersloot

Basketball Player · Born Feb 8, 1989 · Age 37

JD

Jeff Dye

Screenwriter, Actor · Born Feb 4, 1983 · Age 43

RH

Ruby Hirose

Chemist, Biochemist · Born Aug 30, 1904 · Died Oct 7, 1960 (age 56)

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