The Western United States is rich with history, particularly regarding the Gold Rush and the establishment of various mining towns. However, not all towns survived the test of time, and many were abandoned due to economic downturns or resource depletion.
These abandoned towns, often called “ghost towns,” provide a fascinating and eerie glimpse into the past. This article will explore some of the best ghost towns in the Western United States.
Rhyolite, Nevada
History
Located 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas on the edge of Death Valley, Rhyolite was once a thriving Gold Rush town. Occupied for only about 12 years in the early 1900s, Rhyolite experienced rapid population growth due to the discovery of gold in the area. However, once the gold reserves ran dry, the town was abandoned.
Attractions
Today, Rhyolite is a popular tourist destination, with several buildings still standing, including the remnants of a railway station, bank, and school. Visitors can also find art installations in the area and explore the nearby Bullfrog-Rhyolite Cemetery.
St. Elmo, Colorado
History
St. Elmo, a former gold mining camp founded in 1880 in the Sawatch Range of Colorado. St. Elmo had over 2,000 inhabitants at its peak, but by 1920, the mines had dried up, and a fire destroyed a portion of the town.
This led to the departure of most residents, leaving only a handful of people, including a family who ran a general store and hotel.
Attractions
St. Elmo is now a well-preserved ghost town, featuring numerous original buildings, including a schoolhouse, church, and various homes. Visitors can explore the town’s streets, take a self-guided tour, or even participate in a haunted ghost tour.
Bodie, California
History
Located just east of Yosemite National Park, Bodie was established in 1861 after gold was discovered in the area. The town experienced rapid growth, boasting a population of 10,000 people at its peak. However, by the end of the 1880s, the gold reserves had depleted, and people began to leave for other boomtowns.
Attractions
Today, Bodie is preserved as a state historic park in a state of “arrested decay.” Visitors can explore the remaining buildings, take a tour of the mill, and learn about the town’s history through various exhibits and displays.
Bannack, Montana
History
Bannack, located in southwestern Montana, was founded in 1862 after gold was discovered there. The town’s population quickly grew to around 10,000, but by the 1940s, most residents had moved away, and Bannack became a ghost town.
Attractions
Bannack State Park now preserves the town, allowing visitors to explore over 60 structures. The park offers guided tours and various events and activities throughout the year.
Kennecott, Alaska
History
Kennecott, sometimes called Kennicott, is an abandoned copper mining camp established in 1903. The town experienced economic decline due to resource depletion and low copper prices, leading to the departure of most residents by 1938.
Attractions
Today, Kennecott is a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Alaska. Visitors can explore the preserved buildings, including the old mill, and learn about the town’s history through guided tours.
Goldfield, Arizona
History
Goldfield became a boomtown in the 1890s when gold was discovered in the area, but the town went bust within five years. Goldfield has been transformed into a tourist attraction, featuring a mix of original and replica buildings.
Attractions
Visitors can watch gunfights, take mine tours, and ride a historic train at Goldfield Ghost Town. The town is conveniently located on the edge of Phoenix, making it an accessible destination for those visiting the area.
Calico, California
History
Calico, a former silver mining camp, was established in 1881 and had around 500 mines in the surrounding area at its peak. However, within 15 years, the silver ore and the people were gone. The town is now part of the San Bernardino County Parks system, and many of its buildings have been preserved.
Attractions
Visitors to Calico can take ghost tours, explore the mines, and learn about the town’s history through various exhibits. There are also shops, restaurants, and camping facilities for those wishing to extend their stay.
Grafton, Utah
History
Grafton, located near Zion National Park, was founded in the 1850s as a farming community. The town was occupied until the 1940s, when the last residents left. Only five large buildings remain in the ghost town, which is easily accessible just southwest of Zion National Park.
Attractions
Visitors can explore the well-preserved buildings, including a church and a schoolhouse, as well as tour the town’s cemetery. The picturesque setting of Grafton makes it a popular destination for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
South Pass City, Wyoming
History
South Pass City, a gold mining town founded in the 1860s, played a significant role in American history as the site where the first woman’s suffrage legislation was introduced. The town declined after the gold reserves ran out, and it was eventually abandoned.
Attractions
Today, South Pass City is a state historic site featuring numerous preserved buildings, including a saloon, general store, and church. Visitors can explore the town’s streets, learn about its history, and even pan for gold.
Courtland, Gleeson, and Pearce, Arizona
History
These three Arizona ghost towns were all established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to mining booms. The towns were abandoned and left to decay as the mines dried up.
Attractions
Each of these towns offers a unique experience for visitors interested in exploring the history of the Western United States. Courtland is the most desolate and dilapidated, while Gleeson features a picturesque refurbished jail, and Pearce is home to a general store and church listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These are just a few of the best ghost towns in the Western United States, offering visitors a unique and fascinating glimpse into the past.
Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just curious about the stories these abandoned towns have to tell, a visit to one of these ghost towns is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
