Midwest Ghost Town

The Ghost Town of Ruby, Arizona

Midwestghosttown — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Ruby has an interesting story - the history in this episode follows a seral murder that took place in the 1920's -

There was an update as of June 3, 2024 - That Ruby (privately owned) was open for tours for the last 30 years - but this recently changed and Ruby is now officially closed, and no longer open (according to their website).

Their website is www.rubyaz.com - there wasn't an explanation on the website - but as of the recording - they were not closed - and this has since changed.

Just making sure - for people to follow along on the website if they have any further questions.

Jerome, Arizona Interview

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Jerome, Arizona - a historic town in the mountain of Arizona - Jerome is about 100 miles north of Phoenix and 45 miles southwest of Flagstaff along Arizona State Route 89A between Sedona to the east and Prescott to the west.

The town was self-titled the largest Ghost Town (or Ghost City) in America - and one that I like to consider a "Living Ghost Town" - The population has fluctuated over the years hitting 15,000 at its high point, and averages around 400-500 today.

It was famous for its mines - and with the mining business - miners, saloons, brothels, and a whole host of other "wild west" activities to go along with an old west mining town. It had built such a notorious reputation that one newspaper dubbed it "The Wickedest Town in the West" - and another paper called it "The Wickedest Town in America!"

In this episode - we have the honor of interviewing Jim Schooley (woodworker, toymaker, barista - and whole list of other awesome titles to accommodate his talents!) Jim lived in Jerome, Arizona -during the artist movement and renaissance (as one could call it). Here is Jim's interview. "Let's Keep History Alive!"

The Wickedest Town in the West - The Historic Ghost Town of Jerome, Arizona

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:00:00 -0400

One legendary story from William Wingfield - even tells a story of two Wild West legends meeting face to face in "Jerome - The Wickedest City" by William Wingfield

One thing for sure - Jerome, Arizona lives up to its reputation and is worth a bucket list trip to visit and tour.

Interview with "The Rural Adventurer" Capa, South Dakota/ Ruble, Iowa

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Thank you to John - for letting me interview him for this episode - #11

John is the "Rural Adventurer" on YouTube and covers, Ghost Towns, Small Towns, and Heritage History Photographs on his channel.

You can find him @ruraladventurer on YouTube -

Pictures in Capa, South Dakota were taken and used by permission by Rural Adventurer.

We also have a new music resource we are using for the channel - and excited to share three of the songs used in this episode.

(Song 1)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!)

https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/wild-west-blue

License code: ANIKSFUES1TYCVEI

(Song 2)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/cory-alstad/the-wound-between-us

License code: YU5DWDH2KHAI06JZ

(Song 3)

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/john-hayes/no-home

License code: QSCQ2L2Q8XPRN89X

The Ghost Town of "Jug Town, Illinois"

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Come with us now as we explore the story of "Jug Town, Illinois" and a partial history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal (I & M) Canal

I & M article -

C. C. A. (n.d.). I & M Canal Shaped History. Www.csu.edu. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://www.csu.edu/cerc/researchreports/documents/IMCanalShapesHistory2004.pdf

Songs used for the episode**

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/mark-july/wild-west-blues

License code: ANIKSFUES1TYCVEI

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/majestic-whispers

License code: JHPU1XGHRWJUHDFQ

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/cory-alstad/the-wound-between-us

License code: YU5DWDH2KHAI06JZ

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/travelers-hymn

License code: CMB6UX0ADVRZZ6FQ

The Top 5 Ghost Towns in Missouri

Midwestghosttown — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 22:10:00 -0400

I'm starting a podcast along with my video documentary series "Top 5 Ghost Towns" - this is the Missouri Podcast version.

We cover Five Ghost Towns - and like every Ghost Town - "How do you RANK THEM" - honestly, you don't - but we did our best to list the ones that we felt had an interesting story to go along with the podcast - we mention a couple more in the episode.

But if you are from Missouri and would like to offer a couple more - let us know - we'd likely expand as we continue on.

Our Mail Bag - had one of our listeners reach out - who happens to be a professional photographer, and travels internationally to ALOT of the places mentioned in our podcast. One of these - was a Ghost Town we covered last season in Namibia. Stephen - if you are listening or reading. Thank you for reaching out - and as promised. Check out his website below - he has ALOT of great material - and I'm hoping to work with him on some future project (crossing my fingers Stephen!) www.travelswithstephen.com

Thanks again - and let's keep history alive1

The Story of the "Fountain House" in Cherokee, Iowa

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0400

In the late 1800s - magnetic springs were discovered in Cherokee, Iowa - this water was thought to have healing properties for many ailments, and people traveled from long distances to experience the water - which later had a sanitarium and spa added on - called "The Fountain House" - there was a lake nearby called "Magnetic Lake", a race track, and grandstands - all housed in a 60 acre park called "Magnetic Park"

Tragedy struck a decade later when the water was depleted by a nearby well - drawing from the same spring. - and leaving the Fountain House and Magnetic Park - abandoned and run down - and later part of history as it was torn down.

Come hear the story of the "Fountain House" in Cherokee, Iowa

The Historic Town of Nicodemus, Kansas (Black History Month, 2024)

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Nicodemus, Kansas...the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River.

Celebrating Black History Month (2024) and covering some of the Ghost Towns, Abandoned Sites, Historical Sites and places - represented in African American History

Nicodemus, Kansas was brought to my attention by one of the MWGT community members - as we remember the westward migration following the Civil War - and the history of Kansas (as a Free State).

Top 5 African American Ghost Towns in the U.S. (Black History Month 2024)

Midwestghosttown — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:51:00 -0400

Celebrating Black History Month here with Midwest Ghost Town -

We're highlighting some Ghost Towns linked with Black History - and want to put a disclaimer that some of these are not considered "zero population" ghost towns - some were neighborhoods - that might exist today with either a smaller population making them "a near ghost town" OR for the sake of history telling the story. Unfortunately, there are a few sad ones with this episode - and not NEARLY covering the history as detailed as it could be (due to making a shorter podcast) - these are stories that deserve to be remembered - we are an open community here at Midwest Ghost Town - if there are any stories or details, please feel free to reach out to me.

Fordlandia PART 2 - "A Ghost Town in the Heart of the Amazon Rain Forest"

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 22:32:00 -0400

Part 2 - covering the lost rubber plantation of the Ford Motor Company - Fordlandia - the rise and fall!

Reference given to Fordlanda: The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City - By Greg Landon. - Excellent read if you get the chance - a lot of the background was given from research with Greg's book - plus from many of the same references included in his book - (A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize) -

Disclaimer Note - Fordlandia had a re-population take place around the 2000's - as of 2017 it is populated at 3,000-

It was virtually a Ghost Town (Abandoned Ford Plantation) from the 1940's - through the early 2000s - It's still a fantastic story -

Thanks for following along!

Country Rock - by LiteSaturation found on Pixabay Royalty Free Music - excellent song - check them out.

"Fordlandia" - A Ghost Town in the Heart of the Amazon Rain Forest - PART 1

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 23:06:00 -0400

Part I - covering the lost rubber plantation of the Ford Motor Company - Fordlandia -

Old Hickory, Tennessee - The Powder City of the World

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:51:00 -0400

The neighborhood of Old Hickory can still be found around Nashville, Tennessee - but back around WWI - it was a Du Pont company town - forming the largest smokeless gunpowder operation in the world - and earning it the nickname "Powder City"

There are a few other credit that will be added to the notes - but one of the key notes is the diary of Lou Cretia Owen. This work is in the public domain and housed below

The diary of Lou Cretia Owen can be found and read -

Courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives.

Lou Cretia Owen's diary

Lou Cretia Owen Papers, 1918-1919

ID 43261

Location: I-D-1, Folder 1

Item is in the Public Domain - l

More was written about Old Hickory - from an interesting article found at the Tennessee State Library Archives Website - titled "Old Hickory Gun Powder Plant" by Jack Humphrey - and I'll post a link below.

https://tslablog.blogspot.com/2018/08/old-hickory-gunpowder-plant.html

All music for production was used from Pixabay royalty free music - no attribution required with content ID attached - I'll come back and give attribution for each song - though not required by the license - I feel the artist deserve mention. -- I'll post attribution by 1/20/24 - thank you.

Ghost Town of the "Canary Girls"

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:15:00 -0400

Material Used in the Podcast found - and credit

1. Williamsburg Walking Tours - A wonderful article - go check them out if you are visiting the area (they give tours according to their site) www.williamsburgwalkingtours.com - article written by Trish Thomas

2. The Canary Girls memorial project - is found Canary-girls.com - you can read more about their background story over-seas.

3. There was another article where some of the background information and dates were given - at Mr. Williamsburg - you can find their site at www.mrwilliamsburg.com

The Ghost Town called "Powder Town" - Mooar, Iowa

Midwestghosttown — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0400

The Ghost Town of Moore, Iowa - better known to locals as "Powder Town" - Once the largest Blasting Powder Operation of Du Pont.

Episode 1 - Season 2 - of Midwest Ghost Town

Most information with details in the podcast can be found at a few other references provided.

One of them is the DuPont Hagley Museum - found at hagley.org - in reference to dates and history of the company through the DuPont Company on the Brandywine Project - an interactive look at the history of the DuPont Company black powder works that operated along the Brandywine River in Wilmington, Delaware, Delaware from 1803 to 1921.

In addition - there are two short videos on YouTube worth watching on the subject of Powder Town - entitled du Pont Iowa Powder Mills 1 & 2 - produced by Ed Vinson. They are both older videos, but Ed did a great job highlighting and giving information about the town and Mill.

The Forgotten Fire of 1871 - Most Devastating Fire in U.S. History

Midwestghosttown — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 21:42:00 -0400

Some call it the Great Midwest Fire, others the Peshtigo Fire - and most remember it from history as "The Great Chicago Fire" of 1871. Remember the misteaching of Mrs. O'Leary's cow that kicked over the lantern? It turns out that the whole story was based on legend - but it was the same fire in Chicago that gave birth to the name "The Forgotten Fire" - because on the same day in October - the worst and most devastating fire in U.S. History occurred up in Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, and Western Michigan - fueled by high winds and lengthy forest fires around the region - and it completely overshadowed the event. One particular town, Williamsonville, was completely wiped off the map and never rebuilt - left as a permanent ghost town in ash. Come join this podcast episode as we explore "The Forgotten Fire of 1871"

Ghost Towns Under The Sand: Part III "Al Madam"

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 12:51:00 -0400

In this episode, we move from the desert in Namibia to the desert in the Middle East - to the desert Ghost Town of "Al Madam" - Another story of a Ghost Town buried under the sand!

Ghost Towns Under The Sand: Part II "Kolmanskop Namibia"

Midwestghosttown — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 21:38:00 -0400

Ghost Towns under the Sand: Part II "Kolmanskop, Namibia" another Midwest Ghost Town video podcast, and this time we leave the Midwest (and the United States) entirely and cross the Atlantic, and down the skeleton coast on the continent of Africa, to the country of Namibia - home of the old diamond mining Ghost Town of Kolmanskop.

There are some amazing pics used in than video podcast, and all were used in the public domain - with the exception of the footage in Kolmanskop - Some of the attributions weren't required, but I wanted to add the work of

Elina Emeleeva which was found on Pexels - and of course the work of James Kerwin on some of the other pieces (especially floating door) with creative common link below. - and the pics by Avillagomez67, SqueakyMarmot, Damien du Toit, Harald Supfle, Joachim Huber, Skypixels, and Olga Ernst - all listed below. They had terrific shots of the ghost town shared in the video.

James Kerwin Photographic, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Avillagomez67, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Uploaded on April 24, 2006 by SqueakyMarmot, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Damien du Toit from Cape Town, South Africa, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Harald Süpfle, CC BY 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

SkyPixels, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Joachim Huber, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Olga Ernst, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

Ghost Towns Under The Sand: Part I

Midwestghosttown — Sat, 05 Aug 2023 22:14:00 -0400

In this two-part episode "Ghost Towns Under The Sand" (Part I) We discuss the lost town of "Singapore Michigan" buried under the sands of Lake Michigan - We talk about the Great Peshtigo Fire and conclude the episode talking about a long-lost Pony Express Riding Station - found under the sands in Sand Springs Station, Nevada.

Ghost Town Serial Killers

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 16:43:00 -0400

Covering and telling the story of Elizabethtown, New Mexico and South Pass, Wyoming Ghost Towns - and the story of a couple serial killers that lived in each town.

Ghost Towns and Boxing: Part II

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 21:43:00 -0400

Part 2 of Ghost Towns and Boxing - covers the Ghost Towns of Busenbark, Ohio, Melbourne, Michigan, and Rock Bluff, Nebraska - George "The Saginaw Kid" Lavigne, and Perry Ivan "Kid" Graves

Amazing stories and links between Ghost Towns and Boxing.

Ghost towns and Boxing: Part I "The Longest Fight"

Midwestghosttown — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 13:26:00 -0400

Part 1 of a 2-part series - covering ghost towns and the sport of boxing - especially in regards to the entertainment in mining camps, logging camps, and the oil fields that brought boom and bust towns.

Part 1 - mostly covers Goldfield, Nevada - and a boxing match is known as "The Longest Fight" between lightweight boxers Gans vs Nelson.

The Ghost Towns of Bonnie and Clyde: Part II

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 13:58:00 -0400

Starting at the crash known as "The Red River Plunge" the episode takes you through Platte City Shoot out - and to the abandoned amusement park in Iowa (Dexfield Park) - where the showdown with authority is the beginning of the end of Bonnie and Clyde.

The Ghost Towns of Bonnie and Clyde: Part I

Midwestghosttown — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 03:45:00 -0400

Discover the abandoned history and ghost towns associated with the infamous criminal couple - Bonnie and Clyde

#bonnieandclyde #ghosttowns

Underwater Ghost Towns of Iowa: Part 3 "The Wild Rivers of Iowa"

Midwestghosttown — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 19:08:00 -0400

In this episode, we finish a 3 part series on underwater ghost towns - and dive into the topic of Rivers and Floods - especially towns that were destroyed and left as eventual ghost towns, whether from government buyouts and re-locations, or people leaving for new homes.

#ghosttowns #Iowa #underwaterghosttowns #floods

Underwater Ghost Towns of Iowa: Part 2 - The Ghost Towns of Lake Red Rock

Midwestghosttown — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 14:05:00 -0400

Part 2 of Underwater Ghost Towns - The Ghost Towns of Lake Red Rock. There are 6 towns submerged beneath Lake Red Rock Reservoir down by Pella and Knoxville Iowa area - It is the largest lake in Iowa and covers the towns of:

DUNREATH
FIFIELD
RED ROCK
ROUSSEAU
COALPORT
CORDOVA

Underwater Ghost Towns of Iowa: Part 1 - Queen City

Midwestghosttown — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 20:21:00 -0400

Part one of a three-part series covering the underwater ghost towns of Iowa - in this episode "Queen City - Iowa"

Tornado Ghost Towns Part 3 - Melva, MO and Picher, OK

Midwestghosttown — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 20:19:00 -0400

Final episode of a 3-part series "Tornado Ghost Towns" - This episode includes the ghost towns of Melva, Missouri, and Picher, Oklahoma

Tornado Ghost Towns: Part 2 "Parrish, Illinois and the Tri-State Tornado"

Midwestghosttown — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 20:18:00 -0400

March 1925 - almost 100 years ago - marked the deadliest tornado in US History - as the Tri-State tornado ripped through Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana - Leaving destruction in its wake - and one community "Parrish, Illinois" a Ghost Town.

Tornado Ghost Towns: Part 1

Midwestghosttown — Wed, 17 May 2023 13:44:00 -0400

In this episode of Midwest Ghost Town - we go into stories about Ghost Towns created by the aftermath of tornados. A common occurrence in the Midwest - Tornados! Mix the two together - and you have a ghost town creator!

We cover the story of Manchester, South Dakota and Jordan, Iowa in this episode.

The Dutch Raid on Calliope-Iowa

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 12 May 2023 16:42:00 -0400

The Dutch Raid on the former county seat of Sioux County Iowa (Calliope - Iowa) is one that fits similar narratives across the country (battles for county seats) but this one takes an interesting twist - when the wooden-shoed Dutch came rolling into Calliope, to take the courthouse records by force.

The Kirkbride Building Plan

Midwestghosttown — Tue, 02 May 2023 19:07:00 -0400

Exploring the story of the Kirkbride Building Plan in America's State Mental Asylums - building built in the late 1800s are barely standing today - where did they come from? Why are they disappearing? Come explore the history of the Kirkbride Building Plan.

The Children's Blizzard of 1888

Midwestghosttown — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 22:42:00 -0400

After visiting the ghost town of La Porte Nebraska - I was researching more on the blizzards in the area that killed three of the former town's citizens - and came across an interesting and sad story - of the Children's Blizzard of 1888 - Not directly tied to the ghost town - but ultimately affected former towns across the Midwest.

Finding the Battle of Gettysburg in Northeast Nebraska

Midwestghosttown — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 16:18:00 -0400

Covering the story of those buried in LaPorte, Nebraska - cemetery. Especially the story of Enoch Hunter, and the 12th Cavalry of Illinois.

Nebraska Ghost Towns

Midwestghosttown — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:04:00 -0400

Followup Podcast to the Top 5 Ghost Towns video on YouTube - this podcast goes into 5 MORE ghost towns in Nebraska - a state with over 900 ghost towns. Join the conversation on Nebraska Ghost Towns. #NebraskaGhostTowns

Nebraska's Ghost City

Midwestghosttown — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 04:09:00 -0400

Learn about Nebraska's Ghost City - a story of western expansion, transcontinental railroad, and more...

Irish Ghost Town (2023)

Dan Cline - Midwestghosttown — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:34:30 -0400

We will be covering an Irish Ghost Town each year during St. Patrick's Day. This year (2023) we will be featuring the Ghost Town of Georgetown, Iowa.

Georgetown has a beautiful history of Irish immigration, and the story of St. Patrick's Church and Cemetery- still standing and being used today.

The Minnesota Gold Rush

Dan Cline - Midwestghosttown — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 02:32:23 -0400

Briefly talking about some of the stories that surrounded the Minnesota Gold Rush - and following up to one of the Ghost Towns covered in the Top 5 Ghost Towns in Minnesota Video.

Are Ghost Towns Haunted?

Midwestghosttown — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:30:00 -0400

Preparing for our Tara, Iowa Ghost Town adventure - and tackling the question on Ghost Town sites and the world of paranormal activity.

Definition of a Ghost Town

Dan Cline - Midwestghosttown — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 22:42:34 -0400

Answering the question "What is a Ghost Town" can be a little unclear as definitions are different, and each Ghost Town can technically fall under 7-8 categories designed by the government. We have a follow-up to our Unique, Iowa video - and launching our new podcast!