List of ghost towns in Oklahoma facts for kids

Autwine, a former town in Kay County, Oklahoma

Picher, a famous ghost town in Ottawa County, Oklahoma

Have you ever heard of a ghost town? These are places in Oklahoma that used to be busy towns but are now mostly empty or completely gone. This list will tell you about some of these fascinating abandoned places across the state.

Many of these communities were very important in Oklahoma's early days. Some were planned by railroads or the government, but they didn't always grow as expected. Others started around schools, post offices, or stores, and disappeared when those places closed. Some were Native American settlements that faded when their lands were opened up. Oil boom towns also popped up quickly and then vanished when the oil ran out. Most abandoned sites in Oklahoma are on private or public land, so remember to respect trespassing laws.

What Makes a Town a Ghost Town?

Not all ghost towns are the same! They can be in different stages of being empty or falling apart. Some have no buildings left, while others still have a few structures standing. Some might even have a small number of people living there, but far fewer than in their busy past.

Barren Sites

These are places where almost nothing is left of the old town.

• The town no longer exists.
• It might have been destroyed or covered by water.
• The land has often returned to fields or pastures.
• You might only find a few old foundations or small traces if you look very closely.

Neglected Sites

These towns have more visible remains than barren sites.

• You might see piles of rubble.
• Some buildings might still be standing, but most will have no roofs.
• The buildings are often in very bad shape.

Abandoned Sites

Only traces remain of Grand, the county seat of Old Day County.

These towns still have buildings, but they are empty.

• Buildings or houses are still standing.
• Almost all buildings and homes are empty.
• There are usually no people living there, except maybe a caretaker.
• Sometimes, only one or two old buildings, like a church or a store, are left.

Semi-Abandoned Sites

These towns have some life left, but they are far from their old glory.

• Buildings and houses are still standing.
• Many buildings are empty, but some are still used.
• There are a few residents, but the population is much smaller than it used to be.

Historic Communities

These are towns that are still active, but much smaller than they once were.

• Buildings and houses are still standing.
• It's still a busy community, but not as big as it was during its best years.
• The number of people living there has dropped a lot, sometimes to a fifth or less of its peak population.

Oklahoma's Ghost Towns List

Learn More About Oklahoma's History

• History of Oklahoma
• List of cities in Oklahoma
• List of towns in Oklahoma
• List of unincorporated communities in Oklahoma
• List of Census Designated Places in Oklahoma