These haunted places are going to make you tremble with fear. America has some really spooky abandoned cities that will either make you curious or totally creeped out.
If you’re ready for a spine-chilling adventure, then it’s time to start planning a trip to one of these ghost towns.
St. Elmo, Colorado
St. Elmo, or Forest City, was once inhabited by a large population o two thousand people. But shockingly, there were only 7 residents left at the city by 1930.
Among the few people who remained was the family that ran the main store and hotel, which is known to be haunting the small city to this day. As for now, the hotel is open to visitors who are interested in paranormal activities.
Terlingua, Texas
Unlike St. Elmo, Terlingua is still somehow bustling even after the majority of its inhabitants left due to the crush of mercury market.
Tourists at his historic place can enjoy snacking on chili at the city’s most popular restaurant, discover the ruins, wander the halls of the old jail, and grab a drink at the saloon.
Virginia City and Nevada City, Montana
Since 1863, Virginia City has refused change with its big number of historic buildings that are still proudly standing today. Traveling 1 mile away, we find another ghost town, Nevada City.
Tourists are invited to go on a train ride between the two towns so they can witness historic events through living shows. The reality here will make you experience the fear of trying to survive in the Old West.
Bodie, California
In 1859, a man named William Bodie discovered gold in this town. This encouraged gold rushers to move here in order to find more of the valuable metal. But what really happened is that they failed and thus abandoned Bodie.
Interestingly, this ghost town has remained untouched for more than 15 decades. Shacks still stand with tables set, while restaurants and shops still contain some supplies for customers who will never show up.
Cahawba, Alabama
Cahawba is the most popular ghost town in Alabama. Before the Civil War, it was an interesting center for the transport and trading of cotton and also a village for freed slaves after the war. This town actually made multiple comebacks after yellow fever epidemics and floods, but unfortunately, its inhabitants all fled once for all by 1900.
Today, the town is known as Old Cahawba Archaeological Park and its empty streets and cemeteries have been subject to several bone-chilling ghost stories.
Kennecott, Alaska
Kennecott is regarded as the best remaining example of copper mining of the early 20th century. From 1911 to 1938, this mill town employed 300 people, while another 300 worked in the mines, making about two hundred million dollars worth of copper.
The included a school, general store, hospital, and even a tennis court and skating rink. In 1938, the Kennecott Copper Corporation suddenly abandoned the town, leaving behind not only their buildings and equipment but also their personal belongings.
People who are interested in visiting this ghost town can get guided access with the National Park Service and tour operators.
Bannack, Montana
This desolate former mining town is known for its high level of paranormal activity. After the discovery of gold on Grasshopper Creek in 1862 by John White, Bannack became a typical gold rush town.
And once gold was discovered in nearby Virginia City as well, the road between the two villages turned into a melting pot for murderers, robbers, and thieves.
Shockingly, it was found that Bannack’s own sheriff was actually the leader of the outlaw gang. At the current time, tourists can explore more than 60 structures in this ghost town.
South Pass City, Wyoming
South Pass City is another mining town that was founded in 1867 after the discovery of the large Carissa gold deposit. Soon enough, prospectors moved to the area regardless of the harsh conditions for the sake of potential wealth.
One year later, the population had increased to almost two thousand people (mostly men). Unfortunately, they never found other gold deposits, so the population shrunk to 100 people by the mid-1870s.
By 1949, the town was left completely soulless. Today, tourists can visit the South Pass City State Historic Site to explore more than 30 preserved historic structures.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia has been smoldering since 1962, with noxious gases and smoke. Plus, its underground fire is estimated to burn for another 25 decades. This had all started with a landfill burn which sparked the fire in an abandoned coal mine.
Residents fled and the highway was closed down by the smoky sinkholes caused by the massive fire. Surprisingly, only six out of nearly 2,000 residents remain and are determined to call this doomed town their home until they pass away.
Thurmond, West Virginia
This West Virginia town was once a popular stop on the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway before turning into a spooky ghost town. Travelers often come to the area for rafting on the New River Gorge National River, and also to visit the Thurmond Historic District which is now considered a national historic place.
Thurmond actually remained untouched by modern development, which makes it look like a gate to the past.