Back when Texas became the 28th state in 1845, the state began flourishing with newly built towns and growing communities. While some of these towns expanded into major cities, many others slowly faded into history, becoming what we now know as ghost towns. Because of how vast the state of Texas is, Central Texas became home to a significant number of abandoned towns, many of which still hold traces of their past.
Today, ghost towns in Central Texas attract history lovers, photographers, road-trippers, and locals curious about the stories left behind. These Texas abandoned towns offer a rare glimpse into how industry, transportation, and economic shifts shaped the region. From coal mining hubs to former education centers, these abandoned places near Waco, Temple, and surrounding areas preserve moments in time that are both mysterious and meaningful.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most fascinating forgotten towns where history has paused.
Thurber
One of the most well-known ghost towns in Central Texas is Thurber, a former mining town that once thrived on coal production. Often referred to as a company town, Thurber grew rapidly thanks to its supply of “black diamonds,” becoming the leading coal producer in Texas by the early 1900s.
Thurber was ahead of its time and became one of the first towns in Texas to offer full electric services. Despite this success, the town’s future changed when oil booms outside the area caused locomotives to shift from coal-powered engines to oil burners. As demand for coal declined, Thurber’s economy collapsed.
Within just 15 years and during the Great Depression, Thurber was completely abandoned. Today, visitors can still see the town’s iconic red brick buildings standing as reminders of its once-busy streets. Thurber is now frequently recognised as one of the most photographed Texas abandoned towns. You can explore what the town looks like today in this Thurber ghost town video.
The Grove
Located just outside of Temple, The Grove was once a thriving agricultural town established in the early 1870s. Farmers and ranchers were drawn to the fertile land, helping the town grow steadily during its early years.
By the 1940s, the population declined rapidly as agriculture consolidated and Texas State Highway 36 redirected traffic away from the town. Unlike many abandoned places near Waco and Temple, The Grove never disappeared entirely.
Today, The Grove has transitioned from a ghost town into a preserved historic destination. Visitors come to enjoy live music, explore the local museum, and attend community events. While it once faced abandonment, The Grove now represents successful restoration efforts. You can take a closer look by watching this virtual tour of The Grove.
Independence
Many people know Baylor University is located in Waco, but few realise it was originally founded as Baylor College in the town of Independence. Established in 1835, Independence was once a wealthy and influential educational centre in Texas, attracting students from across the state.
For nearly fifty years, the town maintained steady growth. However, in the 1880s, city leaders declined to allow the Santa Fe Railroad to pass through Independence. This decision marked the beginning of a long decline.
Without direct transportation access, Baylor University relocated to Waco, while the women’s college moved to Belton, now known as the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Over time, Independence’s population dropped to around 140 residents. Today, Independence remains one of the most historically significant abandoned places near Waco, with preserved buildings and guided tours available. Four original Baylor columns still stand as reminders of the town’s academic legacy. You can view the ruins in this Independence video.
Indian Gap
Indian Gap earned its name after settlers discovered that Comanche raiding routes passed through a natural gap in the land. Settlement began in 1857, and the town soon included a post office, church, school, store, and hotel.
Although Indian Gap never reached the size of nearby towns, it sustained its community well into the 1900s. As residents moved away or passed on, businesses slowly closed. In 1959, the local school shut down, followed shortly by the post office.
By 2010, Indian Gap had a recorded population of just 27 residents. Today, travellers passing through Central Texas can still see remnants of the town’s past, making it one of the quieter yet intriguing Texas abandoned towns. You can see the remaining school structure in this Indian Gap video.
Carlton
Carlton was established in 1877 and showed early promise due to its location along major travel routes. The town thrived through cotton production, which attracted families, churches, schools, and even a local newspaper.
Between 1907 and 1910, Carlton’s population grew from 150 to 750 residents. Over time, changing economic conditions and transportation patterns caused residents to leave. By 1980, only 70 people remained.
Today, Carlton stands as one of the lesser-known ghost towns in Central Texas, with several abandoned buildings still intact. Many interiors appear untouched, offering a rare glimpse into daily life frozen in time. A memorable quote from the Ghost Towns of Texas documentary sums it up well:
“There are still sewing machines, threads, half-finished projects… it almost looks like they left work one day and just never came back.”
Why Central Texas Has So Many Ghost Towns
Central Texas became a hotspot for ghost towns due to major shifts in transportation, agriculture, and industry. Railroads often bypassed smaller communities, redirecting growth toward cities like Waco and Temple. Oil discoveries and farming consolidation further reshaped the region’s economy.
As people migrated toward urban centres, many small towns were left behind. Today, these ghost towns in Central Texas serve as historical landmarks that preserve the stories and livelihoods that once shaped the area.
Map of Ghost Towns
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1w-ToYtF6iXDsMvy1AtuCggUzvvnFQ-ux&usp=sharing
Additional Resources
If you find ghost towns and forgotten Texas history to be interesting, take a look at some of the resources below that helped us learn more about them.
- https://www.ghosttowns.com/states/tx/tx.html
- http://www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Texas_ghost_towns.htm
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Whether you are relocating, restoring historic properties, downsizing, or simply exploring Texas abandoned towns, having flexible storage nearby makes transitions easier. Learn more about availability and locations by visiting our Central Texas self-storage locations.
