Best Texas Ghost Towns of All Time
Ready for a memorable adventure? Head to one of these Texas ghost towns.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
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Texas
ghost towns are some of the most famous in the world. From abandoned architecture in Barstow to desert mines in Terlingua, get ready to explore the spookiest sites that Texas has to offer. Plan a day trip with your kids or grab your BFF and dive into the fascinating history of the Lone Star State.You don’t have to be a ghost-hunter to enjoy a road trip to one of these Texas ghost towns.
The supernatural is secondary in most of the places on this list. Instead, these destinations offer interesting buildings, beautiful views, and insights into the unique history of Texas.
There’s nothing scarier than a fender bender in a small town without cell service.
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can help you compare rates fast so you’re protected on the road.Ready? Here are four of the best Texas ghost towns of all time.
Terlingua
What is the story of Terlingua?
Terlingua means “three languages,” a name the town acquired thanks to the three cultures that have occupied the area: Apache, Spanish, and English.
The story of the development of Terlingua began with a man named Howard E. Perry. In the early 1900s, Perry heard about the discovery of quicksilver in the area. So, he started a business in Terlingua called Chisos Mining Company. The mines attracted people from miles around, who saw a chance for a better life. Terlingua had schools, a post office, and a lively hotel in its heyday.
Unfortunately, World War II was unkind to Terlingua. First, the mineral price hit rock bottom. Second, the mine flooded. It was too much to bear. In 1942, the company filed for bankruptcy. The town emptied out and completely shut down.
In the 1960s, tourists began to explore this Texas ghost town while visiting Big Bend National Park. Today, tourists can visit a few small shops and restaurants while admiring the unique architecture (and spooky landscape) of the Rio Grande.
What makes Terlingua special?
Terlingua is one of the most well-known—and frequently visited—ghost towns in Texas. This abandoned city is close to Big Bend National Park and offers plenty of picturesque vistas.
- Time your visit to the annual chili cook-off in the fall, theOriginal Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff
- A creepy rock-pile cemetery is guaranteed to give you chills
- The Starlight Theatre is open every day for drinks and entertainment
- Some of the most beautiful desert sunsets in the world
This area is popular with artists and adventurers. Bring your camera and get ready to find some treasures in Terlingua and beyond. Don’t expect to have the area to yourself—the Rio Grande is a major tourist destination.
How to visit Terlingua
Terlingua is in west Texas near Big Bend National Park and Marfa, just half an hour from the Mexican border. From Marfa, take US-90 E until you reach Alpine. Then, turn south onto TX-118 S. Turn right onto FM170, and follow signs for Terlingua ghost town.
There are several good options for accommodations and meals in town, but picky eaters may prefer to stop in Alpine for snacks. You can also eat in town at the Starlight Theatre and Saloon. We like Taqueria El Milagro for its mouth-watering tacos (and WiFi).
Cell service is spotty in and around Terlingua, so plan your trip accordingly.
Pro Tip The St. Agnes Church is slightly outside of town but it’s well worth the effort to visit.
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Independence
What is the story of Independence?
This town was named in honor of the establishment of the USA—the Declaration of Independence. Once a famously wealthy town, Independence has since fallen from grace—but its origin story includes plenty of divine influence.
Independence was a thriving town in the mid-1800s. Its most famous resident was Sam Houston, former Republic of Texas President. Its second claim to fame is that this town is the birthplace of Baylor University, a Baptist institution of higher education. Independence is considered the buckle in the Bible Belt of Texas.
When the Santa Fe railroad was being built, residents of Independence resisted. Their hesitance to modernization became a fatal blow to the town’s economy.
Without a railroad stop in town, travelers bypassed the city of Independence. No business meant no money. Baylor University’s campus was never completed, and eventually, it relocated to Waco. Old Baylor Park was eventually abandoned, leaving behind old churches, a hotel, pioneer-era houses, a cemetery, and fascinating relics of life in the late 1800s.
Today, Independence is an unincorporated community near Brenham. Visitors can explore the ruins of the original Baylor University and museums with exhibits on life in the 1800s.
What makes Independence special?
Texas is a proud state with a fierce history of independence. Texans aren’t afraid to be different or to stand on their own. A visit to the town of Independence allows you to trace the origins of this Texan spirit back two hundred years.
- Texas Baptist Historical Museum offers engaging exhibits and artifacts.
- Walk through the ruins of the old university at Baylor University State Park
- The Independence School historical site is well-marked and open to visitors
- Explore a fascinating example of pioneer housing at the Independence Log House
- Come face-to-face with the ghosts of ancient Texans at the Houston-Lea Family Cemetery
Independence is a great day-trip destination with exciting activities for all ages.
Pro Tip Independence offers a good mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, so you can enjoy a visit independent (ahem) of the weather conditions.
How to visit Independence
Independence is one hour and 45 minutes from Austin via US-290 E. From Houston, it’s one hour and 15 minutes via US-290 W. Set your destination to the Independence Visitor Center.
The biggest nearby town is Brenham. We recommend stopping in Brenham for a bite to eat before you head to Independence.
Barstow
What is the story of Barstow?
The founder of Barstow was not actually from Texas, but his character was surely Texan: bold, creative, and entrepreneurial.
In 1892, George E. Barstow came all the way from the east coast to launch an irrigation business. He planned to promote the sale of land irrigated by the nearby Pecos River. He pursued his goal aggressively, building a dam and canals. He even shuttled in wagon loads of settlers.
The town of Barstow boomed, for a time. A fancy courthouse was built in 1893 using red sandstone from the Quito quarry. Farms were prosperous thanks to the irrigation, producing grapes, pears, melons, and peaches. Barstow’s company even won a silver medal for grapes at the World’s Fair in 1904.
Agriculture is not the town’s main claim to fame, however. Just months after winning the prize for grapes, a dam burst on the river and flooded nearby farms. Barstow’s business went bust. For years after, the salinity levels were undesirable for farmers. Droughts made it impossible to grow food here.
The final blow to Barstow’s good fortune was the discovery of oil in nearby Winkler County in 1938. With no good reason to remain in Barstow with its dwindling fortunes, residents abandoned the city.
Today, Barstow is a collection of crumbling walls and a sad cemetery with the grave of George Barstow.
What makes Barstow special?
Barstow gives off an almost post-nuclear vibe. It feels like it was abandoned very abruptly, leaving nature to reclaim the buildings. It’s best to explore on foot.
- It’s one of the only Texas ghost towns where the founder is buried onsite
- Moldy, flaking homes and businesses make for fascinating photographs
- Abandoned buildings on every corner beckon to be explored (even the church is empty)
- An old Masonic Lodge has definitely seen better days
If you’re more interested in old buildings than historic exhibits, you’ll love Barstow. Wear sun protection and walking shoes and stroll the streets.
Pro Tip People still live near Barstow, even though most of the businesses are shuttered.
How to visit Barstow
Barstow is about 5 ½ hours west of San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth. From San Antonio, take I-10 W.
If you’re coming from the DFW area, take I-20 W. You’ll pass through Abilene and then Odessa. We recommend that you refuel and eat in Odessa before you head to Barstow.
Sherwood
What is the story of Sherwood?
Sherwood is considered one of the most picturesque ghost towns in Texas. However, Sherwood’s intriguing appearance belies its straightforward past.
Sherwood’s history is a classic tale of “death by railroad”, a fate that befell many small Texas towns in the 1900s when the new railroad bypassed them.
The settlement originally sprang up around Spring Creek, which drew ranchers and settlers to the area in the 1870s. Soon, the town was incorporated and named Sherwood after a former owner of the land, Granville B. Sherwood.
Sherwood became the seat of the county government for almost 50 years. Prosperous residents built a courthouse in 1901, a post office, and plenty of other services.
In 1911, the railroad bypassed the town of Sherwood. This resulted in the creation of a new town called Mertzon—and Mertzon sucked the life out of Sherwood. With a railroad stop and eventually a state highway, Mertzon had much more economic opportunity than Sherwood. In 1936, citizens voted to relocate the seat of justice to Mertzon, putting an end to Sherwood.
Today, Sherwood is a quiet rural community with a fascinating mix of abandoned and inhabited buildings.
What makes Sherwood special?
Irion County is a small county in central Texas but it’s proud of its history. From Civil War battles to architecture, there’s a lot that makes Sherwood special.
- A unique, painted clock with false hands atop the courthouse is set to the supposed time of Abraham Lincoln’s death
- The 20th century abandoned courthouse is an attractive, intact relic of Sherwood’s glory days
Sherwood is especially beautiful near sunset, as the courthouse stone glows red in the setting sun. Take your time exploring this historic area and you’ll be well rewarded.
How to visit Sherwood
Sherwood is 30 minutes from San Angelo, TX via US-67 S. It’s also three hours and 45 minutes from Austin, with a scenic drive through Llano and Brody. You can explore the entire area in just an hour or two on foot, starting with the Sherwood Courthouse.
Stock up with necessities in San Angelo—or continue to Mertzon after your visit. You won’t mind many businesses in Sherwood.
Finding affordable car insurance
It’s fun to explore abandoned Texas ghost towns—that is until you have an accident on a dusty road in the middle of nowhere. Adventurers, play it safe with car insurance so you can be bold with your ghost hunting.
While car insurance can’t protect you from ghosts or bad vibes, it can help you if you have an accident. Even better, get a policy that has roadside assistance.
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