Kenton, Oklahoma

Kenton is a small unincorporated community in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, United States. There is a store, "The Merc", two bed and breakfasts, three church congregations, and a post office, which was established May 12 1891. Residents of Kenton informally adhere to Mountain Time, which legally begins a few miles west at the Oklahoma/New Mexico state line. To avoid confusion, "Mountain Time" is often added when giving the time to visitors. Posted business hours all end with "MT" or "MST" to specify Mountain Time.

Geography

The town of Kenton lies in the Northwest corner of Cimarron County, approximately 3 miles east of the New Mexico state line and 6 miles south of the Colorado state line. It is located on the south side of the Cimarron River in the Cimarron River valley.

State Highway 325 serves the town.

History

Kenton was founded in 1893 and served as the county seat for Cimarron County until the citizens of the county voted to move it to Boise City soon after statehood. During its heyday, Kenton had two car dealerships, a motel, a bank, and two general stores.

Points of interest

* Camp Billy Joe
* Bat Cave Archaeological Site
* Red Ghost Cave Archaeological District
* Three Entrance Cave Archaeological District
* Black Mesa, Oklahoma's highest point (elevation: 4,978 feet)

External links

* [http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/shpo/shpopic.asp?id=78002223 Bat Cave Archaeological Site]
* [http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/shpo/shpopic.asp?id=78002224 Red Ghost Cave Archaeological district]
* [http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/shpo/shpopic.asp?id=78002225 Three Entrance Cave Archaeological district]

References

* [http://www.geocities.com/Kenton_merc/ The Kenton Mercantile] (URL accessed 7-Apr-2006)
* [http://bmbc.us/ Black Mesa Bible Camp] (URL accessed 7-Apr-2006)
* [http://www.bmbb1.com/ Black Mesa Bed and Breakfast] (URL accessed 7-Apr-2006)
* [http://mapquest.com/ MapQuest] (URL accessed 7-Apr-2006)