Did you know that Oregon is home to more ghost towns than any other state in the nation? All across the Beaver State you can find dozens of abandoned towns that were once lively and bustling communities. From former mining camps to stagecoach stops, these spectral towns offer a fascinating look into the past. Take a look:
- Millican
Wikimedia/Richard Bauer Located about 20 miles east of Bend, Millican was originally established in 1868. The small town dwindled after WWI and today only a few crumbling buildings remain. The last remaining resident was murdered (by his own employee) in 1988.
- Blitzen
Wikimedia/OSU Special Collections & Archives Blitzen was one of the many settlements that arose in the Catlow Valley in the late 1800s. Now it consists of only a few deteriorating structures.
- Antelope
Flickr/PfeifferPhotos The town of Antelope was once a stopping point for stagecoaches in the 1800s where passengers could rest and spend the night. In 1898, a fire devastated the community, and the town would soon be abandoned.
- Shaniko
Dutch Simba/Flickr Originally the wool capital of the West Coast, Shaniko is a picturesque little ghost town with many of the buildings still intact. Visitors can view the town jail, city hall, chapel, and more.
- Boyd
Flickr/A. F. Litt Located in Wasco County, Boyd once had a thriving population of around 200 people. Today, only a few residents and buildings remain.
- Golden
Wikimedia/Tedder Founded in the 1890s as a mining town, Golden now sits abandoned in Southern Oregon. It was recently featured on the TV show Ghost Adventures.
- Cornucopia
Flickr/Baker County Tourism Cornucopia was given its name by early miners who discovered a wealth of gold in the area. Despite the harsh winters, many of the original buildings are still standing.
- Jawbone Flats
Flickr/Max Rae Located east of Salem near Opal Creek, Jawbone Flats was once a bustling mining camp overflowing with gold. Today, hikers can view the fascinating remains of the town.
- Hardman
Flickr/oregon ducatisti This Eastern Oregon farming town was once a stop for stagecoaches traveling through the area. As stagecoaches disappeared, so did the town.
How many of these ghost towns have you visited? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
Wikimedia/Richard Bauer
Located about 20 miles east of Bend, Millican was originally established in 1868. The small town dwindled after WWI and today only a few crumbling buildings remain. The last remaining resident was murdered (by his own employee) in 1988.
Wikimedia/OSU Special Collections & Archives
Blitzen was one of the many settlements that arose in the Catlow Valley in the late 1800s. Now it consists of only a few deteriorating structures.
Flickr/PfeifferPhotos
The town of Antelope was once a stopping point for stagecoaches in the 1800s where passengers could rest and spend the night. In 1898, a fire devastated the community, and the town would soon be abandoned.
Dutch Simba/Flickr
Originally the wool capital of the West Coast, Shaniko is a picturesque little ghost town with many of the buildings still intact. Visitors can view the town jail, city hall, chapel, and more.
Flickr/A. F. Litt
Located in Wasco County, Boyd once had a thriving population of around 200 people. Today, only a few residents and buildings remain.
Wikimedia/Tedder
Founded in the 1890s as a mining town, Golden now sits abandoned in Southern Oregon. It was recently featured on the TV show Ghost Adventures.
Flickr/Baker County Tourism
Cornucopia was given its name by early miners who discovered a wealth of gold in the area. Despite the harsh winters, many of the original buildings are still standing.
Flickr/Max Rae
Located east of Salem near Opal Creek, Jawbone Flats was once a bustling mining camp overflowing with gold. Today, hikers can view the fascinating remains of the town.
Flickr/oregon ducatisti
This Eastern Oregon farming town was once a stop for stagecoaches traveling through the area. As stagecoaches disappeared, so did the town.
For more spooky spots in the Beaver State, check out our previous article: The Creepy Small Town In Oregon With Insane Paranormal Activity.
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