The westward expansion of the 19th century led to the rise of countless towns across the United States. Fueled by fertile land and thriving trade, these small settlements flourished – until they didn't. Whether due to disease, economic collapse, or simply the departure of their pioneering residents, many towns were left abandoned, earning the eerie title of "ghost towns."
Today, these well-preserved remnants of the past offer a glimpse into history. A report by Geotab has identified and mapped 3,800 ghost towns across the USA, many of which were deserted in the 20th century as people sought opportunities in larger cities. Though uninhabited, these towns are far from forgotten and remain accessible for curious visitors. These towns aren't merely historical relics; they are time capsules, showcasing the architectural styles, daily lives, and economic shifts of past eras. Some offer guided tours, while others invite self-exploration, providing unique insights into the American story. Each ghost town holds unique narratives, revealing the diverse and often challenging realities of early American life.
Here are 11 ghost towns in the United States that you can still explore today. Let's dive in!
Ghost towns calling: can you step back in time to these abandoned mining towns?
Silver City, California
Source: Google Search
Saving Silver City in California's Kern River Valley was a heartfelt endeavor. According to Sierra Nevada Geotourism, the preservation of its 20-plus buildings is largely due to the efforts of Dave and Arvilla Mills. In the 1960s, they worked tirelessly to relocate structures that were at risk of demolition. Today, visitors can explore mining camp buildings, settler homes, and even an old jail. The town is rumored to be haunted, with reports of paranormal activity like floating bottles and mysteriously moving windows. Now operating as a museum, Silver City welcomes visitors 7 days a week.
St. Elmo, Colorado
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Established in 1880, St. Elmo was once a bustling hub for gold and silver mining. At its peak, around 2,000 people called it home. However, by the early 20th century, the mines were depleted, and residents "rode the last train out of town and never returned," as its website notes. Today, the town's well-preserved homes and storefronts offer a glimpse into its past. The general store even opens during warmer months, allowing visitors to step back in time.
Terlingua, Texas
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Terlingua, another mining town, rose to prominence as a leading producer of quicksilver (mercury) by the 1930s, according to Visit Big Bend. However, the mining company's bankruptcy in the 1940s led to its decline. In recent years, Terlingua has experienced a revival, with new residents breathing life into the once-abandoned town and making it a welcoming destination for visitors.
Rhyolite, Nevada
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Rhyolite, a mining town known for its quartz, once boasted hotels, stores, a school, a hospital, and even a stock exchange, as noted by the National Park Service. When the mining industry collapsed, the town was abandoned. Today, visitors can explore remnants like the old bank and jail, imagining what life was like during its early 20th-century heyday.
Custer, Idaho
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Founded in 1879, Custer attracted gold prospectors and became home to the Lucky Boy and Black mines. By 1896, its population peaked at 600, but by 1910, the town was deserted. Fortunately, many buildings survived, and in 1966, the Challis National Forest took over its preservation. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, Custer now offers free guided tours during the summer.
Kennecott, Alaska
Source: Patrick Federi/Unsplash
Kennecott, a copper mining town in Alaska, thrived until its main camp closed in 1938 due to dwindling ore supplies and falling prices. The National Park Service has since preserved its historic structures and provides a self-guided tour map for visitors to explore this early 20th-century mining community.
Calico, California
Source: Nicola Tolin/Unsplash
Calico, a silver-mining town in San Bernardino County, was a hotspot for miners in the 1800s. However, when silver prices plummeted in the mid-1890s, the town was abandoned. Walter Knott, founder of Knott's Berry Farm, purchased and restored the town in the 1950s. Today, Calico is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a window into its storied past.
South Pass City, Wyoming
Source: Google Search
South Pass City began as a gold-mining town in the mid-1800s. After an initial boom, its population dwindled to a few hundred. Designated a historic site in the late 1960s, the town features 17 restored buildings. While its grounds and trails are open year-round, summer visitors can tour the buildings, shop in the general store, or try gold panning in Willow Creek.
Independence, Colorado
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Gold discoveries in the late 1800s turned Independence, Colorado into a bustling mining town. At its peak, it was home to 1,500 residents and thriving businesses. However, as miners moved on, the town fell into decline. Since 1975, the Aspen Historical Society has preserved its ruins, which are open for self-guided tours during the summer.
Nevada City, Montana
Source: Google Search
Nevada City, a gold-mining town, might have faded into obscurity if not for the Bovey family, who restored its wooden structures between 1945 and 1978. Today, it operates as an open-air museum, with live historical reenactments on summer weekends. Visitors can explore its buildings, complete with vintage music boxes and player pianos.
Goldfield, Arizona
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We bet you can guess what drew people to Goldfield, Arizona in the mid-1800s. Prospectors flocked to the Mammoth Gold Mine, creating a town straight out of a Wild West movie. Today, visitors can explore its saloons, general store, boarding house, and more. The Goldfield Gunfighters even perform shoot-out reenactments. The town is open daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
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