The United States is home to some of the most fascinating and unique desert towns, each with its own peculiar history, landscape, and culture. While many of these places flourished during mining booms or as pit stops on major travel routes, some have since been abandoned or repurposed into artistic havens. Here are 15 remarkable desert towns that you might not believe actually exist.
1. Zzyzx, California
Tucked away in the Mojave Desert, Zzyzx was originally known as Soda Springs before being renamed in 1944 by Curtis Howe Springer, who ran the Zzyzx Mineral Springs and Health Spa. Today, it serves as the site of the Desert Studies Center, used for environmental research. (Source)
2. Slab City, California
Often referred to as “the last free place in America,” Slab City is an off-the-grid community in the Sonoran Desert. It’s known for artistic installations like Salvation Mountain and attracts people seeking alternative lifestyles. (Source)
3. Nothing, Arizona
Founded in 1977, Nothing is a ghost town with a quirky name. Once home to a gas station and convenience store, the town is now abandoned, leaving behind a few structures and a sign that reads, “The town of Nothing.” (Source)
4. Goffs, California
Located along Route 66, Goffs was once a busy railroad town. Today, it is home to a restored 1914 schoolhouse and a museum that highlights the area’s rich mining history. (Source)
5. Pioneertown, California
Originally designed as a live-in Old West movie set in 1946 by Hollywood investors like Roy Rogers, Pioneertown now serves as a tourist attraction, featuring the well-known Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace. (Source)
6. Salton City, California
Once envisioned as a lakeside paradise on the Salton Sea, environmental issues led to its decline. Now, Salton City remains a hauntingly beautiful ghost town with remnants of its past. (Source)
7. Amboy, California
A historic stop on Route 66, Amboy is famous for Roy’s Motel and Café. Restoration efforts are ongoing to preserve this classic roadside attraction. (Source)
8. Shamrock, Oklahoma
During its oil boom, Shamrock had a population of 30,000. Today, it has fewer than 50 residents, yet it remains an intriguing place for those fascinated by near-abandoned towns. (Source)
9. Rhyolite, Nevada
Founded in the early 1900s as a mining town, Rhyolite was abandoned by 1920. Now, its iconic ruins, including the Bottle House, attract photographers and history buffs. (Source)
10. Goldfield, Nevada
Once Nevada’s largest city during the gold rush, Goldfield is now home to a few hundred residents. The historic Goldfield Hotel is rumored to be haunted. (Source)
11. Thistle, Utah
Thistle became Utah’s most recent ghost town after a devastating landslide in 1983 buried much of it. Submerged houses can still be seen in what remains. (Source)
12. Grafton, Utah
Featured in classic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Grafton is one of the most photographed ghost towns in the West. (Source)
13. Frisco, Utah
Once a thriving mining community, Frisco is now an abandoned town known for its distinctive beehive-shaped charcoal kilns. (Source)
14. Calico, California
A former silver mining town, Calico has been restored as a county park, allowing visitors to experience an Old West setting with preserved buildings and mine tours. (Source)
15. Jerome, Arizona
Perched on Cleopatra Hill, Jerome was once a booming copper mining town. It has since been revitalized as an artist haven, featuring galleries, shops, and a vibrant history. (Source)
Conclusion
These desert towns, whether abandoned, preserved, or repurposed, offer a unique window into America’s past. Many serve as living history sites or destinations for adventurous travelers, providing a rare glimpse into forgotten chapters of the country’s development.
For more information on national historic sites and ghost towns, visit the National Park Service or check local state tourism websites.
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