In the early 1900's when farming in the area began to decline, Kent became a vacation destination. Construction of the Taconic Parkway in the early 1930's made it easier for people from the New York City area to come to Kent. Drawn by its natural beauty, people came and established seasonal communities, camps and clubs. The construction of I-84 and I-684 in the 1970s opened Kent up to large permanent residential development.