8 Famous Abandoned Texas Ghost Towns
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As Halloween approaches, thoughts turn to spooky places where ghosts might lurk. And with more than 500 Texas ghost towns, there are a number of abandoned towns that fit the bill. These abandoned places offer a window into the state's rich history, from small farm communities to once-thriving mining towns.
These towns were once developing communities, but they now stand empty and neglected. Visitors can explore the deserted streets and crumbling buildings, imagining what life was like in these places in their heyday. For those who are brave enough to venture into these eerie places, Texas's abandoned ghost towns make for a spine-chilling Halloween experience.
Many of the ghost towns in Texas date back to the mid-19th century when pioneers first began settling in the state. These early settlers faced many challenges, from harsh weather conditions to hostile Native American tribes. As a result, many of these communities didn't last long. But despite their short lifespans, these ghost towns have left a lasting impression on Texas. Today, many of these abandoned places are well worth a visit. So if you're looking for an adventure, consider exploring one of Texas's many ghost towns.
Famous Ghost Towns in Texas
Terlingua, Texas
About: Terlingua is a fascinating place with a rich history. Unlike other ghost towns, which were often abandoned due to some catastrophe, Terlingua was simply a victim of changing times. This Texas ghost town was named for the three languages spoken there: Indian, Spanish, and English. Howard E. Perry from Maine owned much of the land and started the Chisos Mining Company, which brought many people to the town in the early 1900s.
At its peak, the town was home to over 2,000 people who worked in the local mines. However, as mineral prices plummeted and mining operations began to wind down after world war II, many of the residents left in search of work elsewhere. By the 1950s, Terlingua was all but deserted.
Today, Terlingua has become one of the most picturesque ghost towns in the lone star state. It is a tourist destination with a few small shops and restaurants open for tourists, known for its unique atmosphere and ability to transport visitors back in time.
There's no excuse not to visit this ghost town called "The Most Famous Ghost Town in Texas," The Terlingua graveyard is one of the most photographed sites in West Texas. However, it is essential to remember that Terlingua was once a thriving community of hardworking people. Their story gives the town its character and makes it worth visiting.
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Location: Terlingua is situated near the Rio Grande and the villages of Lajitas and Study Butte, Texas, as well as the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The town is located not too far from Big Bend National Park.
Population: 110 (2020)
Sherwood, Texas
About: Sherwood is a compelling example of what could have been, located in the scenic hills of West Texas. At one time, it served as the county seat in Irion County.
The small town boasted a post office, courthouse, and other businesses befitting a county seat. However, when the railroad came through Irion County, it bypassed Sherwood in favor of Mertzon – a new town created specifically for the rail line. This was followed by establishing a new state highway that also went through Mertzon instead of Sherwood.
Because of transportation changes, Sherwood lost its county seat to Mertzon leading to the town’s economic decline. As a result, the once-thriving community dwindled to a tiny rural town.
Despite its derelict state, Sherwood retains a certain charm. Visitors to Sherwood today can still see some of the town's original buildings. For example, the beautiful courthouse that features a false clock with its hands set to the hour of Abraham Lincoln's death still stands as a monument to Sherwood's past glory.
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Location: Sherwood is an unincorporated community in Irion County, Texas.
Population: 73 (2000)
The Grove, Texas
About: The Grove was founded in the 1850s and named after a grove of beautiful oak trees growing in the area. It's located about 16 miles southeast of Gatesville and not far from Temple, Texas.
The Smithsonian Institute has listed The Grove as a historic Texas town. It had a population of about 400 people at its peak. The town was once home to two general stores, a cotton gin, and a church, but it is largely abandoned today. Today, the only visible reminder of The Grove's existence is the ruins of the old church, as it is the only remaining building in the entire town.
However, the remnants of this once-thriving town are still evident for those who know where to look. The outline of the old store foundations can be seen in the grass, and rusted metal cans and bottles lie scattered among the trees. So even though The Grove is long gone, its history lives on in the stories of those who remember it.
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Location: The Grove is a small community located in Coryell County, Texas. It is situated 16 miles southeast of Gatesville, Texas, in the eastern portion of the county. The Grove is located on Texas State Highway 36.
Population: 65 (2000)
Belle Plain, Texas
About: Belle Plain was once a thriving town in Texas, but now it lies abandoned. The town was founded in 1876, and at that time, it was thought of as one of the most promising West Texas towns. The town had several stores and saloons, a jail, a hotel, and even a newspaper, the Callahan County Clarendon.
Belle Plain College was the town's pride, as it was one of the first institutions of its kind in West Texas.
Like many towns on the Texas frontier in the 19th century, Belle Plain was bypassed by rail construction and doomed. The town and college suffered from the loss of traffic and commerce and experienced a simultaneous and rapid decline.
The town struggled for a few more years, with the college closing in 1892. By then, the town was essentially abandoned, and the last remaining citizens had left when its post office was deactivated in 1907.
Today, little remains of Belle Plain. The town was once a thriving community, home to a college and several businesses. But now, all that is left are ruined structures and a few other buildings’ foundations. These buildings are a silent testament to a community that once thrived but is now long gone. The town's cemetery is the only remaining public space; the rest of the town's remnants are now on private property.
Location: Belle Plain is located in Callahan County, West Texas
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Stiles, Texas
About: Stiles was once a thriving town, the county seat of Reagan County in Texas. But then the railroad bypassed it, and oil was discovered near Big Lake. Suddenly, Stiles was eclipsed by its neighbor and replaced as the county seat. For a brief time, Stiles was the center of activity in the area.
Founded in 1903, it was the only town in the county when it was established. And for 22 years, it was considered the county seat. But then times changed, and Stiles was left behind.
Today, Stiles is a ghost town, a reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that have shaped the American West. Although nothing left a few crumbling foundations, visitors can still sense what life was like in this once-thriving community.
Location: Stiles is a ghost town in Reagan County, Texas, United States, about 18 miles north of Big Lake.
Population: 4 (2000)
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Glenrio, Texas
About: Glenrio was once a thriving community located on the iconic Route 66. Formerly known as Rock Island.
Established in the early 1900s, the town grew steadily, attracting travelers from all over the country. However, Glenrio began to decline in the 1950s when Interstate 40 was built, bypassing the town entirely. This resulted in a drastic drop in tourism; by the mid-1980s, only two residents remained.
Glenrio is considered a ghost town, with only a few abandoned buildings still standing. Yet, despite its sad history, Glenrio still holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember its heyday. For them, it will always remind them of a time when life was simpler, and the open road held endless possibilities.
Location: Glenrio is an unincorporated community that sits on the Texas-New Mexico state line. The ghost town is in both Deaf Smith County, Texas, and Quay County, New Mexico, United States.
Population: 0 (2010 census)
Bluffton, Texas
About: Bluffton, located twelve miles northeast of Llano, is an exciting ghost town with a fascinating history. In the mid-1800s, it was a pitstop on a stagecoach line.
It is also close to the famous Lake Buchanan situated in the Hill Country, which has the ability to filter the Colorado River. As a result of its nearby access to an abundant source of water, Bluffton was able to survive when other towns along the river dried up. Unfortunately, its blessing also became its demise. The city was eventually swallowed up in 1937 by Lake Buchanan during a massive flood.
However, the drought of the past decade has caused water levels to drop and reveal this lost city once again. This underwater ghost town is now referred to as Old Bluffton or "the Atlantis of Texas."
What was once a bustling town is now best known as a destination for those interested in birdwatching or driving four-wheelers.
Location: Bluffton is located in the north-east section of the state. It is approximately 50 miles from the state's capital city, 2 hours away from San Antonio, and it is also less than 20 miles away from its nearest neighbor, Lubbock.
Population: 187 (2022)
Indianola, Texas
About: Indianola was the county seat of Calhoun County and had a population of 5,000 in 1875.
However, on September 15 that year, a powerful hurricane struck, killing 150 and 300 people and almost destroying the town. Indianola was rebuilt, only to be wiped out on August 19, 1886, by another intense hurricane, followed by a fire.
Indianola was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1963.
Today, it is a quiet community with a rich history. Though it is no longer the thriving metropolis it once was, Indianola remains an integral part of the fabric of the Texas Gulf Coast.
Location: Indianola is a ghost town located on Matagorda Bay in Calhoun County, Texas, United States.
Summary
Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting one of Texas's abandoned ghost towns? In the 1800s, Texas was a wild and untamed place. Prospectors flocked to the state in search of gold and silver, and new towns sprang up overnight. However, many of these towns were short-lived, as their fortunes faded just as quickly as they had arisen.
Today, Texans can still see the remnants of these once-thriving communities in the form of abandoned ghost towns. Once bustling districts, these towns were gradually deserted as residents moved to larger cities searching for work and opportunities. Today, these ghost towns stand as a reminder of the state's Wild West history. Though these ghost towns may be forgotten, they eerily offer a fascinating glimpse into Texas' past.
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