More Ghostly
Towns
Remember when your mom used to tell you to do something
productive with your time? She probably didn't have Ghost
Town Hunting in mind.
Dundee, Archer County, Texas

US 82 west of Wichita Falls

Dundee was once the largest city in Archer
County, with many businesses, churches,
and schools catering to the area ranchers.
A three story hotel greeted travelers on the
railroad, and the town even had study clubs
and other civilized endeavors. Despite its
prominent beginning, Dundee never
recovered from a tornado and the Great
Depression.

What’s to see?
A row of commercial buildings, now vacant,
still grace US 82 and Main Street. The old
Dundee School is falling in on itself.
I'm a dedicated, unapologetic ghost town hunter. While others collect stamps, coins, or beanie babies, I hunt out
abandoned buildings and forgotten roads with my maps and camera. I listen to the ancient stories carried by the
winds, rustling through the decrepit ruins of what used to be commerce, progress, and dreams.  Robin Jett
Loveland, Tillman County, Oklahoma

OK 36 north of Grandfield until you
see a sign that points towards
Loveland (left). Though well
maintained, notice that this dirt road
can be difficult in wet weather.

The railroad started Loveland, when it sold lots
to farmers in 1908. Soon, the town centered
the agricultural activity in the area. Although
the railroad still runs through what used to be
the town, several fires destroyed the
commercial area and nothing was rebuilt. By
the 1960s, Loveland was a goner.

What’s to see?
The base of the water tower makes a scenic
photo. Some over-grown ruins hover over the
town, and either a bank vault or calaboose sits
forlorn on the side of the road.
Thalia, Foard County, Texas

US 70 southwest of Vernon

For anyone who’s read Larry
McMurty’s The Last Picture
Show, he/she will recognize
Thalia as the protagonist’s home
town. I didn’t see any theaters in
Thalia, but I did encounter
fascinating remains. Thalia, a
farming and oil community,
declined throughout the years as
the economy worsened. The
school closed in the 1940s.

What’s to see?
Evidence of the past lingers all
over Thalia. An abandoned
Methodist Church, decaying Main
Street, and the overgrown ruins
of the high school give this little
town a surreal feel.
Medicine Mound, Hardeman County, Texas

TX 91 south of Chilicothe (which is on US 287
west of Vernon)

The town was named after the four large hills that make
up its scenic background – the Medicine Mounds, which
are ancient Comanche holy places. Today, they are part of
a ranch. Medicine Mound was larger than it once was
until the town’s crazy woman burned down the
commercial district in the 1930s. Two buildings were
replaced – the general store and gas station, using
Oklahoma stone (you’ll see similar architecture in
Grandfield, OK). However, as ranching and farming
consolidated, the town now has a population of zero. A
preservation group helps to keep Medicine Mound alive,
and the general store (a museum) is open on Saturdays.

What’s to see?
Two stone buildings, one with gas pumps out front, make
for great photo opportunities. Several historical markers
recount the story of this interesting little town.

Also visit Medicine Mound's Website!