These abandoned and nearly-abandoned ghost towns along Route 66 connect the dots between Illinois and California, and each has a unique history.

Discover the fascinating history of America's Top 5 Abandoned Towns, or Ghost Towns. See why Bodie, Centralia, Rhyolite, and more were left behind.

Nearly a century ago, U.S. Route 66 was established, spanning eight states and 2,448 miles, affectionately known as "The Mother Road." Although it was decommissioned in 1985, it remains one of the ...

For decades, ghost towns across the United States have captured the imagination of adventurers, storytellers, and thrill-seekers. These abandoned places are often remnants of gold rushes, mining booms ...

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today. Photographer Kevin Lacy of Long Beach ...

Not every town gets to stick around forever. Some start with a bang—gold rush fever, a mining boom, a railroad deal—only to fizzle out just as fast. Others fade slowly, little by little, until one day ...

Buying an entire town sounds unreal until you see it listed. Across the U.S., former mining camps, rail stops, and company towns still exist in a half-abandoned state. They are no longer active, but ...