United States Ghost Towns began as a personal passion project to document forgotten communities across America. What started as a simple list of locations to explore has grown into the nation’s most comprehensive ghost town resource – a solo-operated endeavor dedicated to preserving these historical treasures through meticulous research and photography.
Our Mission
We exist to resurrect the stories of abandoned settlements, from Gold Rush boomtowns to modern-day ghost communities. Every crumbling saloon, overgrown cemetery, and weathered schoolhouse tells a vital chapter in America’s westward expansion, industrial growth, and cultural evolution.
Why Ghost Towns Matter
Nearly 3,800 documented ghost towns dot the American landscape, each abandoned for unique reasons:
- Resource depletion (played-out mines, exhausted oil fields)
- Transportation shifts (bypassed railroad towns, interstate highway changes)
- Environmental factors (droughts, floods, Dust Bowl conditions)
- Economic collapses (factory closures, agricultural declines)
These communities offer unparalleled insights into 19th-century life, serving as open-air museums that preserve pioneer architecture, early industrial techniques, and immigrant cultural traditions.
Preservation Philosophy
As a solo archivist, I adhere to strict preservation guidelines:
- “Leave No Trace” Documentation: Photographing structures without disturbing artifacts
- Historical Accuracy: Cross-referencing sources with library archives and local records
- Respectful Access: Promoting only legally accessible sites to prevent trespassing
- Digital Conservation: Creating detailed records for towns at risk of complete decay
What We Offer
Ghost Town Directory
Our constantly updated database covers ghost towns in all 50 states, featuring:
- GPS coordinates and access guidelines
- Historical photos from library archives
- First-hand exploration accounts
Educational Resources
Dive deeper with our curated materials:
- Timeline of America’s ghost town eras (1600s-present)
- Case studies of iconic towns like Bodie, CA and St. Elmo, CO
- Interactive maps showing settlement patterns
Join the Exploration
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or researching local history, we provide the tools to safely explore these vanishing landmarks. Our resources help adventurers:
- Locate nearby ghost towns using our regional filters
- Understand safety considerations for abandoned sites
- Appreciate architectural styles from Victorian to Art Deco
Continue Your Journey
“Ghost towns are not relics of the past – they’re classrooms where the walls still speak.” ~ Jason Smith
