Small Town Spots loves supporting hidden gems across rural America, with particular attention paid to those towns with under 5000 residents. These towns come nowhere near that number!
The United States is filled with eerie vestiges of history where once-vibrant communities now stand silent. These towns, each with their captivating tales, often stem from periods of prosperity like gold rushes or are the result of unfortunate events leading to their decline. Many of these towns have been designated as historical sites and/or are preserved in national parks (see bottom of article for links), here we are focusing on those ghost towns where a select few are brave enough (and let's face it, awesome enough!) to live in.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Population 5
Centralia is now an eerie ghost town due to an environmental disaster. Founded in the mid-19th century, Centralia thrived as a coal mining town, with rich anthracite deposits attracting miners and creating a vibrant community of over 2,000 residents, complete with schools, churches, and businesses. In 1962, a fire ignited in a coal mine, likely sparked by burning trash in a landfill, and spread through underground coal seams. Efforts to extinguish it failed, resulting in toxic gases and unstable ground that made the town unsafe. By the 1980s, sinkholes and hazardous gases forced a government buyout, prompting most residents to relocate, though a few remained. Despite the dangers, by the late 1990s, only a handful of residents stayed. Today, Centralia is mostly abandoned, with nature reclaiming the land, and the fire is expected to burn for another 250 years.
Jerome, Arizona
Population 458
Nestled in the Black Hills of Yavapai County, Jerome is a unique town with a rich history and vibrant spirit. A copper mining town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jerome was known as the "Wickedest Town in the West." Its population once exceeded 10,000 people, drawn by the promise of prosperity from the mines. However, after the copper demand waned, Jerome transformed into a ghost town with less than 100 inhabitants in the 1950s. Today, Jerome has experienced a rebirth as a thriving artist community and a popular tourist destination. The town's rich tapestry of history is preserved in its museums and guided tours, while its eclectic art galleries, boutiques, and unique restaurants provide a lively atmosphere.
Terlingua, Texas
Population 138
Once a prominent mercury mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Terlingua is now known for its ghost town charm and vibrant arts scene. The picturesque landscape, with its vast desert expanses and proximity to the breathtaking Big Bend National Park, offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, and stargazing. Terlingua's eclectic community celebrates its rich heritage through annual events like the famous Terlingua International Chili Championship, drawing chili enthusiasts from around the world. This quirky town is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its residents, making it a fascinating destination for those seeking both solitude and inspiration in the Texas wilderness.
St. Elmo, Colorado
Population 1 (possibly!)
St. Elmo is a captivating ghost town nestled in the heart of the Sawatch Range in Chaffee County. Established in 1880 during the height of the Colorado silver boom, St. Elmo quickly became a bustling hub for miners seeking fortune. At its peak, the town boasted a vibrant community with nearly 2,000 residents, along with numerous businesses, hotels, and even a telegraph office. Today, St. Elmo stands as one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past. The town's charming, weathered buildings and rustic scenery attract history enthusiasts and tourists alike, who are eager to explore its rich heritage and scenic beauty.
Thurmond, West Virginia
Population 2
Once a thriving railroad town, Thurmond is now NEARLY vacant. Its historic district, part of the New River Gorge National Park, showcases the town’s former significance with preserved buildings and rail lines. Today, Thurmond is a preserved ghost town, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era with its well-maintained historical buildings and the scenic beauty surrounding it. The town is part of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, attracting history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and photographers who are drawn to its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.
Goldfield, Nevada
Population 148
Goldfield, Nevada, is a captivating relic of the American West that whispers tales of its bygone days as a bustling gold mining town. Founded in 1902, Goldfield quickly became the largest city in Nevada. During the early 20th century, the discovery of gold transformed the sleepy desert into a vibrant hub, boasting grand hotels, saloons, and even an opera house. Today, Goldfield stands as a testament to the ephemeral nature of mining booms, with its historic buildings and remnants of its heyday offering visitors a glimpse into a past where dreams glittered as brightly as the precious metal that fueled its rise. Despite its reduced population, Goldfield remains a cherished destination for history buffs and adventurers alike, who are drawn to its rustic charm and the allure of the untamed frontier spirit that still lingers in the air.
Virginia City, Montana
Population 148
This charming town, once a bustling gold mining hub in the 1860s, has preserved much of its historical allure, boasting over a hundred intact structures from its heyday. Visitors are transported back in time as they stroll along the wooden boardwalks, surrounded by beautifully restored buildings that house museums, shops, and even a historic theater. Beyond its architectural charm, Virginia City offers a glimpse into the rugged and adventurous spirit of the gold rush era, with interactive exhibits and engaging reenactments.
Randsburg, California
Population 81
Nestled in the arid expanse of the Mojave Desert, Randsburg, California, is a living testament to the Wild West's vibrant history. This unincorporated community, once a gold mining town established in the late 19th century, now exudes a quaint charm with its preserved historic buildings and rustic atmosphere. Visitors to Randsburg can stroll through its dusty streets, explore the old general store, and experience the echoes of a bygone era.
Preserved and Protected :
Bodie, California was a bustling gold-mining town during the late 1800s.
Animas Forks, Colorado was a remote (at an elevation of 11 188 feet that's no surprise) silver mining town high in the San Juan Mountains.
South Pass City, Wyoming's historic gold mining town is now a state historic site. Its well-preserved buildings and exhibits tell the story of its boom-and-bust history.
Castle Dome City, Arizona, once a significant mining site, is now a museum with over 50 restored buildings and countless historical artifacts.
Garnet, Montana remains one of Montana's best-preserved ghost towns, offering a snapshot of its once-bustling life.
Cahawba, Alabama is now an archeological park.
Kennecott, Alaska is now part of a national park.
Calico, California has been partially restored and now serves as a tourist attraction at the San Bernardino County Regional Park.
Bannack, Montana is now a state park with preserved structures, like the old schoolhouse and hotel, providing a glimpse into frontier life of the 19th century.
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