West Texas Ghost Towns You Can Visit This Summer, And The History Behind Them

Depending on how you define them, Texas has anywhere between 500 and 1000 ghost towns, that is, once inhabited towns that have since been largely or completely abandoned.

How Were Texas Ghost Towns Created?

Texas ghost towns are extant monuments to bygone eras of Texas history. Many of the best ghost towns are former mining areas (active around mid 1800s to mid 1900s) that once employed hundreds or even thousands of people. Silver, coal, and mercury were once big industries in Texas, drawing people, including many immigrants, to these areas. In other words, this is our shared heritage.

Read More: Visit One Of These Old West Ghost Towns In Texas This Summer

Still other ghost towns may have been abandoned due to changes in transportation- if a railroad or highway no longer travelled through the area, commerce may have dried up. One of the best and closest ghost towns in West Texas is a mid-century monument created by a highway change.

Read More: The Mysterious Ghost Town of Baby Head, Texas

What's the Appeal of Visiting A Ghost Town?

Of course,  your mileage may vary, but many folks enjoy ghost towns because it allows them to explore history quite literally. From exploring old buildings (when allowed- watch for private property signs) and reading old tombstones, there's a lot a ghost town can teach us about our past. Beyond exploration, these areas can also make for incredible photography opportunities and gorgeous scenic views.

Which Ghost Towns Are The Best In West Texas?

Here's a list of ghost towns you are allowed to visit year-round (I did not include Lobo for this reason- it is entirely private property). Make sure you know what you're getting into before going, as some of these areas are off the beaten path.