25 Ghost Towns of the American West

The American West, a region steeped in folklore and history, is home to numerous ghost towns - silent witnesses to the boom and bust of a bygone era.

These abandoned settlements, once bustling with life during the gold rush and the expansion of the frontier, now stand as poignant reminders of the transient nature of human endeavors.

This article takes you on a journey through 25 of these ghost towns, each with its unique story and allure.

Bodie, California

Nestled near Bridgeport in Mono County, Bodie is a quintessential gold mining boomtown.

Founded in 1876, it thrived with a population of nearly 10,000 by 1880.

Today, it stands as a State Historic Park, preserved in arrested decay.

Visitors to Bodie can stroll through the deserted streets, peek into the remaining buildings, and feel the weight of history.

It's known for the "Bodie Curse," a legend warning against taking artifacts from the site.

Calico, California

Once a thriving silver mining town in the Mojave Desert, Calico peaked in the 1880s.

It was abandoned when silver lost its value, but Walter Knott (of Knott’s Berry Farm fame) restored it in the 1950s.

Today, it's a county park featuring restored buildings and a glimpse into the silver mining era.

Rhyolite, Nevada

Located near Death Valley National Park, Rhyolite was founded in 1904 during the gold rush.

Its rapid growth was matched only by its swift decline; by 1920, it was deserted.

The remains, including the iconic Bottle House and the old train depot, offer a haunting glimpse into the past.

St. Elmo, Colorado

This well-preserved ghost town in Chaffee County was once a bustling mining center with a railway stop.

Founded in 1880, St. Elmo was home to gold, silver, and copper miners.

Today, visitors can explore its wooden storefronts and dusty roads, virtually unchanged since the town's heyday.

Garnet, Montana

Deep in the Garnet Mountains, Garnet was born in the 1860s.

Known for its rich gold veins, it once had hotels, saloons, and homes.

After the gold ran out, so did the people, leaving behind a ghost town that’s now managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

It offers a serene, unspoiled view of Montana's mining history.

Jerome, Arizona

Perched above the Verde Valley, Jerome was a copper mining camp, growing rapidly in the early 20th century.

After the mines closed in 1953, Jerome nearly became a ghost town.

Today, it’s revived as a tourist and artist community, offering stunning views and a peek into its mining past.

Goldfield, Arizona

Goldfield, founded in 1893, boomed with the discovery of gold.

However, by the late 1890s, the gold had dwindled, and the town was abandoned.

Reconstructed in the 1980s, Goldfield now operates as a tourist attraction with a mine tour, museum, and old west gunfights.

Silver City, Idaho

Founded in 1864, Silver City was a prominent silver mining town.

It's remarkably well-preserved, with about 75 structures remaining, including a church, school, and several homes.

It’s a snapshot of the 19th-century mining life.

Bannack, Montana

As the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery in 1862, Bannack was briefly the territorial capital.

Over 60 structures still stand in this remote town, now a state park, showcasing authentic log and frame buildings from the era.

Virginia City, Montana

Once a booming gold town with over 10,000 residents, Virginia City's population dwindled as the gold ran out.

It's now a well-preserved example of a frontier mining town, attracting visitors with its historic buildings and museums.

South Pass City, Wyoming

This town emerged during Wyoming's gold rush in the 1860s.

It saw a brief resurgence in the 1930s before fading again.

Today, South Pass City is a historic site, offering tours of its 30 original structures and gold panning experiences.

Grafton, Utah

Established in 1859 near Zion National Park, Grafton was abandoned by the 1940s due to harsh life conditions.

Its picturesque setting has made it a favorite for photographers and film producers.

Kennecott, Alaska

In the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Kennecott was a thriving copper mining town in the early 20th century.

The mines closed in 1938, leaving behind impressive mill buildings and workers’ cottages.

It’s now a National Historic Landmark.

Animas Forks, Colorado

Founded in 1873, Animas Forks was a silver mining town.

Sitting at over 11,000 feet, it’s known for its scenic beauty and well-preserved buildings, including the famous bay window house.

Ashcroft, Colorado

Once a competitor to nearby Aspen, Ashcroft was a silver mining town in the 1880s.

The town declined rapidly when the silver crashed.

Today, it's a ghost town with several original structures, managed by the Aspen Historical Society.

Belmont, Nevada

Founded in 1865, Belmont was a thriving mining town with over 15,000 inhabitants.

The silver boom was short-lived, and by the early 20th century, Belmont was largely abandoned.

Its courthouse remains a striking feature.

Berlin, Nevada

Berlin, established in 1896, is unique for its fossil finds alongside its mining history.

The town declined in 1911, and it’s now part of Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, showcasing preserved buildings and the largest Ichthyosaur fossil in North America.

Fairbank, Arizona

Established in the 1880s, Fairbank was a transportation hub for nearby mines.

It declined in the early 20th century but now serves as an important archaeological site and a gateway to the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area.

Glenrio, New Mexico/Texas

Straddling the New Mexico-Texas border, Glenrio was once a stop on Route 66.

The town was abandoned as the interstate bypassed it.

Today, it’s a time capsule of the Route 66 era, with old motels and gas stations.

Gold Point, Nevada

Gold Point experienced several gold and silver rushes from the 1880s to the 1960s.

It’s now privately owned and has been partially restored, offering a unique bed-and-breakfast experience in historic buildings.

Nevadaville, Colorado

A short drive from Central City, Nevadaville started in 1859 during the gold rush.

It was largely deserted by the 1940s, but a few residents remain.

Its main street and some original buildings can be explored.

Oatman, Arizona

Originally a gold mining town, Oatman's population shrank dramatically in the mid-20th century.

It has since been reborn as a tourist destination, famous for its wild burros roaming the streets and old-west gunfights.

Real de Catorce, Mexico

While not in the U.S., Real de Catorce's history as a silver mining town in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí ties closely with the American West's mining era.

Its remote location and stunning architecture attract tourists and pilgrims.

Shakespeare, New Mexico

Shakespeare, near Lordsburg, was a mining camp in the 1870s.

It's unique for its well-preserved structures and storied past involving infamous outlaws.

Tours are available, offering a glimpse into its Wild West history.

Thurmond, West Virginia

In the heart of the New River Gorge, Thurmond was a vital coal transportation hub.

By 1910, it was a thriving town with a bustling main street.

The decline of coal hit Thurmond hard, leaving behind a near-empty town.

The remaining buildings, including the old depot, are part of the National Park Service and serve as a window into the coal industry's past.

Final Thoughts

The ghost towns of the American West are more than just relics; they are chronicles of an era of exploration and expansion.

They remind us of the fleeting nature of prosperity and the enduring power of history.

As we explore these towns, we are walking through the pages of history, and it is our responsibility to respect and preserve these precious links to our past.