We Dug Through the Archives for Photos of the Rajneesh Commune Thirty Years Ago, And Took Shots of What the Land Looks Like Today

In 1981, the Ranjeeshees appeared in Antelope, Oregon in droves—seemingly from nowhere and clad in orange and red robes. For three years, their arrival was one of state's biggest stories, along with the mystery surrounding their guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.

The thousands of acres the group purchased in Wasco county were transformed into a town—replete with an airstrip, restaurants and a fire department.

At the start of the Rajneeshees' decline, however, hundreds of the nation's homeless were bussed into town and salad bars in The Dalles contaminated with salmonella in organized efforts to gain political control. The group's mastermind, Ma Anand Sheela, was also convicted of attempted murder.

Now, thirty year's after the cult's unraveling, Rajneeshpuram has been transformed into a Christian youth summer camp, Washington Family Ranch.

And the city of Antelope has gone back to its preferred state: obscurity.

Here's a look back through the decades at what the commune looked like in the early '80s, and what it and the city of Antelope look like today. 

Early Rajneeshpuram photos are provided via WW's photo archives. Present day photos are courtesy of Younglife—the youth Christian group that now organizes summer camps at Washington Family Ranch—and present day Antelope photos were taken by Rosie Struve.  

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In 1984, the Rajneeshees Bused 3,000 Homeless People to Live in Their Oregon Compound. Our Reporter Was One of Them.

A Look At Where Five of the Key People and Places in the Rajneesh Cult Saga Are Now

The Rajneeshees' Onetime Compound is Now a Christian Summer Camp. Here's What It's Like to Attend.

Thirty Years Ago, "Geek Love" Author Katherine Dunn Scored a Jailhouse Interview With Rajneeshee Mastermind Ma Anand Sheela. Fireworks Ensued.

A Photo Gallery of the Rajneesh Commune Thirty Years Ago, And What the Land Looks Like Today