It’s been far too long since our last road trip article, so obviously that had to change. And this time, per y’all’s request, we’ve strayed away from the hill country to focus on the Old West – specifically, the forgotten ghost towns that most people don’t dare visit. As usual, we’ve put together the Google Map for you which can be found here. All you have to do is get in the car and drive! That is, unless you’re too scared…who knows what could be lurking in the shadows in these desolate, empty towns? There’s one way to find out, and it’s by taking this epic road trip that will lead you to several of the most hauntingly beautiful ghost towns in Texas.
Google Maps
- Terlingua
Flickr/texasbackroads The first stop on our journey is Terlingua, by far the most famous ghost town in Texas - although calling it that nowadays is a bit of a stretch given how popular of a tourist destination it has become. Nevertheless, it’s still a place every Texan should have on their bucket list. It was home to Native Americans and the Spanish and prospered from the Chisos Mining Company in the early 1900s. When the demand, and subsequently, the price, for the minerals plummeted after WWII, the workers had to relocate and Terlingua became a distant memory in the back of their minds.
- Shafter
Flickr/felendzer In its glory days, Shafter was also a mining town and was granted a post office in 1885. The real boom occurred when a cavalry fort and army air field opened nearby. When both shut down after the war, the town’s population shrunk to a mere 20. Shortly after, scenes from a movie entitled “The Andromeda Strain” were filmed there. Maybe you’ll see forgotten remnants of the set…or perhaps you’ll hear the footsteps of war-torn soldiers who are lost and confused.
- Toyah
Flickr/spedog Many have claimed that Toyah looks as if all its residents disappeared simultaneously while going about their normal lives. Abandoned cars line the streets, vacant homes and churches still stand. Even the swings in front of the schools sway to and fro in the wind…maybe you’ll hear the sweet yet eerie sound of a child laughing as you pass by…
- Barstow
Flickr/texasbackroads Irrigation was the name of this town’s game, all thanks to a man named George Barstow. The population grew to over 1,000 until 1904 when the Pecos River Dam broke and droughts gave farming a fatal blow. Now, all that remains are unrealized dreams and false hope.
- Stiles
Flickr/matthigh Stiles was meant to be a railroad town, but the tracks were built a bit too far south and ended up running through another town called Big Lake. As a result, Stiles never prospered while Big Lake boomed. The only things left are the haunting ruins of the would-be courthouse…what do you think could be lurking inside?
- Sherwood
Caesarscott/Wikimedia Commons This town met the same fate as Stiles with a railroad town called Mertzon being established northwest of it. Sherwood has been described as hauntingly beautiful, mostly due to its magnificent early 20th century courthouse that’s still fully intact.
So, who’s brave enough to take this trip? Have you ever been to any of these ghost towns in Texas? Let us know in the comments below!
Google Maps
Flickr/texasbackroads
The first stop on our journey is Terlingua, by far the most famous ghost town in Texas - although calling it that nowadays is a bit of a stretch given how popular of a tourist destination it has become. Nevertheless, it’s still a place every Texan should have on their bucket list. It was home to Native Americans and the Spanish and prospered from the Chisos Mining Company in the early 1900s. When the demand, and subsequently, the price, for the minerals plummeted after WWII, the workers had to relocate and Terlingua became a distant memory in the back of their minds.
Flickr/felendzer
In its glory days, Shafter was also a mining town and was granted a post office in 1885. The real boom occurred when a cavalry fort and army air field opened nearby. When both shut down after the war, the town’s population shrunk to a mere 20. Shortly after, scenes from a movie entitled “The Andromeda Strain” were filmed there. Maybe you’ll see forgotten remnants of the set…or perhaps you’ll hear the footsteps of war-torn soldiers who are lost and confused.
Flickr/spedog
Many have claimed that Toyah looks as if all its residents disappeared simultaneously while going about their normal lives. Abandoned cars line the streets, vacant homes and churches still stand. Even the swings in front of the schools sway to and fro in the wind…maybe you’ll hear the sweet yet eerie sound of a child laughing as you pass by…
Irrigation was the name of this town’s game, all thanks to a man named George Barstow. The population grew to over 1,000 until 1904 when the Pecos River Dam broke and droughts gave farming a fatal blow. Now, all that remains are unrealized dreams and false hope.
Flickr/matthigh
Stiles was meant to be a railroad town, but the tracks were built a bit too far south and ended up running through another town called Big Lake. As a result, Stiles never prospered while Big Lake boomed. The only things left are the haunting ruins of the would-be courthouse…what do you think could be lurking inside?
Caesarscott/Wikimedia Commons
This town met the same fate as Stiles with a railroad town called Mertzon being established northwest of it. Sherwood has been described as hauntingly beautiful, mostly due to its magnificent early 20th century courthouse that’s still fully intact.
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Address: Terlingua, TX 79852, USAAddress: Shafter, TX 79843, USAAddress: Toyah, TX, USAAddress: Barstow, TX 79719, USAAddress: Stiles, TX 76932, USAAddress: Sherwood, TX 76941, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
ghost towns in Texas June 27, 2020 Jackie Ann Are there any haunted restaurants or bars in Texas? It may come as a surprise, but Texas is home to many paranormal hot spots and allegedly haunted locations, including restaurants and bars. One of the most famous haunted restaurants in Texas is the Catfish Plantation in Waxahachie, Texas. Housed in an 1800s Victorian mansion, the Catfish Plantation has had several ghostly reports over the years. Among the spirits is a flirty gentleman who is known to play with women’s hair and the spirit of a former owner, Caroline, who is not the friendliest of spirits. What underrated places in Texas should I visit? There’s something to be said about exploring the often overlooked attractions in Texas. When you’re visiting Texas, consider some of the national wildlife refuges and state parks like Pedernales Falls State Park, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, or Big Thicket National Preserve, which features over 40 miles of hiking trails to explore. If you’re more into city-life, consider visiting a small town in Texas like Gruene, Fredericksburg, Dublin, or Port Aransas which features several lovely beaches and a fishing pier. What unique tours in Texas can I take? If you’re not claustrophobic, a cave tour can be one of the most unique experiences you’ll have in Texas. Located near San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state. The deepest part of the tour is 180 feet below the surface, where you’ll see unique geological formations and learn about the history of these caves which were discovered in 1960.
The OIYS Visitor Center
ghost towns in Texas
June 27, 2020
Jackie Ann
Are there any haunted restaurants or bars in Texas? It may come as a surprise, but Texas is home to many paranormal hot spots and allegedly haunted locations, including restaurants and bars. One of the most famous haunted restaurants in Texas is the Catfish Plantation in Waxahachie, Texas. Housed in an 1800s Victorian mansion, the Catfish Plantation has had several ghostly reports over the years. Among the spirits is a flirty gentleman who is known to play with women’s hair and the spirit of a former owner, Caroline, who is not the friendliest of spirits. What underrated places in Texas should I visit? There’s something to be said about exploring the often overlooked attractions in Texas. When you’re visiting Texas, consider some of the national wildlife refuges and state parks like Pedernales Falls State Park, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, or Big Thicket National Preserve, which features over 40 miles of hiking trails to explore. If you’re more into city-life, consider visiting a small town in Texas like Gruene, Fredericksburg, Dublin, or Port Aransas which features several lovely beaches and a fishing pier. What unique tours in Texas can I take? If you’re not claustrophobic, a cave tour can be one of the most unique experiences you’ll have in Texas. Located near San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state. The deepest part of the tour is 180 feet below the surface, where you’ll see unique geological formations and learn about the history of these caves which were discovered in 1960.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It may come as a surprise, but Texas is home to many paranormal hot spots and allegedly haunted locations, including restaurants and bars. One of the most famous haunted restaurants in Texas is the Catfish Plantation in Waxahachie, Texas. Housed in an 1800s Victorian mansion, the Catfish Plantation has had several ghostly reports over the years. Among the spirits is a flirty gentleman who is known to play with women’s hair and the spirit of a former owner, Caroline, who is not the friendliest of spirits.
What underrated places in Texas should I visit?
There’s something to be said about exploring the often overlooked attractions in Texas. When you’re visiting Texas, consider some of the national wildlife refuges and state parks like Pedernales Falls State Park, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, or Big Thicket National Preserve, which features over 40 miles of hiking trails to explore. If you’re more into city-life, consider visiting a small town in Texas like Gruene, Fredericksburg, Dublin, or Port Aransas which features several lovely beaches and a fishing pier.
What unique tours in Texas can I take?
If you’re not claustrophobic, a cave tour can be one of the most unique experiences you’ll have in Texas. Located near San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state. The deepest part of the tour is 180 feet below the surface, where you’ll see unique geological formations and learn about the history of these caves which were discovered in 1960.
