List of ghost towns in Washington facts for kids

Have you ever wondered what happens to towns when everyone leaves? In Washington state, there are many places that were once busy and full of life, but are now quiet and empty. These are called ghost towns. They are like time capsules, showing us what life was like long ago.

This article shares a list of some of these fascinating ghost towns in Washington.

What Makes a Town a Ghost Town?

Not all ghost towns are the same! Experts classify them based on how much is left of the original town.

Barren Sites: Almost Nothing Left

The old swimming pool is one of the few things left at Fairfax.

These are places where almost nothing remains of the town.

• The original buildings might be gone.
• They could have been destroyed by fire or time.
• Some might even be covered by water now.
• Sometimes, all you can find are a few old foundations or footings.

Rotting buildings in Bodie show how time can wear things down.

Neglected Sites: Buildings Falling Apart

These ghost towns have more visible remains, but they are clearly abandoned.

• You might see piles of rubble.
• All the buildings are empty and nobody lives there.
• Many buildings might have lost their roofs.
• Some houses or buildings might still stand, but most are in ruins.

This abandoned schoolhouse in Govan is a classic example of a neglected site.

Abandoned Sites: Empty Buildings Still Standing

In these towns, many buildings are still standing, but they are completely empty.

• All the houses and buildings are abandoned.
• No one lives there, except maybe a caretaker.
• Sometimes, only one or two buildings, like an old church or a store, are left.

The United Brethren Church is one of the few structures left in Elberton.

Semi-Abandoned Sites: A Few People Remain

These towns are mostly abandoned, but a small number of people still live there.

• Many buildings are empty and falling apart.
• However, a few residents might still call the place home.
• The population is much smaller than it used to be.

Buildings preserved at Liberty show what a semi-abandoned town can look like.

Historic Communities: Smaller, But Still Alive

These places were once very busy, but their population has shrunk a lot.

• Buildings and houses are still standing.
• It's still an active community, but much smaller than in its "boom" years.
• The population might be only one-fifth or less of what it once was.

List of Washington Ghost Towns

Here is a small list of some ghost towns in Washington. This table shows their name, county, when they were settled, when they were abandoned, and their current status.

See also