Texas Ghost Towns: Abandoned Places With Fascinating Histories

(Texas) - Texas is home to many ghost towns, once-thriving communities that are now abandoned or nearly forgotten.

Some were booming mining towns, while others were old railroad stops or farming villages that faded away. Today, these ghost towns offer a glimpse into Texas history and are fun places to explore.

Where are Ghost Towns located in Texas?

1. Terlingua – The Famous Mining Town

Terlingua, near Big Bend National Park, was once a bustling mining town in the late 1800s. People came here to work in the quicksilver (mercury) mines. But when the mines closed, the town slowly emptied. Today, Terlingua is a popular tourist spot with abandoned buildings, an old cemetery, and even a few small businesses. Visitors come for the history—and the famous chili cook-off held every year!

2. Indianola – The Lost Coastal City

Indianola was once a major port city on the Texas coast. In the 1800s, it was a busy place where goods and people arrived from all over the world. But in 1875 and again in 1886, powerful hurricanes destroyed the city. After the second storm, Indianola was never rebuilt. Today, only a few ruins and historical markers remain along the coast, telling the story of the city that was wiped off the map.

3. Lobo – A Deserted Desert Town

Lobo, located in West Texas, was a small farming town that depended on water from nearby springs. But as water sources dried up and farming became difficult, people moved away. By the 1990s, Lobo was completely abandoned. In recent years, a group of artists and history lovers have tried to bring life back to the town with occasional events and gatherings.

4. Sherwood – The Forgotten Courthouse Town

Sherwood was once the county seat of Irion County. It had a beautiful courthouse, businesses, and homes. But when a railroad was built nearby, it bypassed Sherwood, and people moved to a new town along the tracks; Mertzon. The old courthouse still stands, but the town itself is mostly gone.

5. Barstow – A Farming Town That Couldn’t Survive

Barstow was a promising farming town in the late 1800s. It had a courthouse, schools, and businesses. But when a major drought hit in the early 1900s, water became scarce, and farming became impossible. People left, and today, Barstow is a shadow of what it once was.

Why Do Ghost Towns Exist?

Ghost towns exist for many reasons. Some were abandoned because of natural disasters like hurricanes or droughts. Others faded away when industries like mining or farming collapsed. Many disappeared simply because people moved to bigger cities for better opportunities.

Visiting Texas Ghost Towns

If you want to visit a ghost town, be sure to:

• Respect private property – Some ghost towns are on private land.
• Be safe – Old buildings can be unstable, so be careful when exploring.
• Bring water and supplies – Many ghost towns are in remote areas with no stores or services.

Texas ghost towns are full of history and mystery. Whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or just someone looking for adventure, these abandoned places are worth exploring.