Posted in Kansas
June 26, 2015
Visit These 5 Creepy Ghost Towns In Kansas At Your Own Risk
What is it about ghost towns that is so beautiful, yet disturbing at the same time? Maybe it is the abandoned homes that are no longer loved and cared for? Or the deserted schools that used to be filled with the sounds of laughter and learning? Or maybe it’s the empty churches that haven’t heard a prayer in decades? Whatever it is, there is something unique about places where people no longer live. Below are five really creepy ghost towns in Kansas…
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Once considered the "Diamond of the Plains," Diamond Springs was an oasis for those traveling along the Santa Fe Trail. During the Civil War, the town's stage station was attacked and robbed by Quantrill confederate Dick Yeager, who killed the station manager and severely injured his wife. The station, one of the few operating town businesses, was moved down-the-road to Six Mile Creek, and the town eventually folded due to the lack of traffic along the Santa Fe Trail.
Founded in 1869 by Joseph Dunlap (an Indian agent for the Kanza tribe), Dunlap was a prime relocation spot for hundreds of recently freed slaves. During its prime, Dunlap was home to hundreds of residents and dozens of businesses, including a blacksmith shop, hardware store, grocery store, ice cream parlor, flour mill, butter and cheese factory, restaurant, bank, hotel, and churches. During the Great Depression, the town began to decline and the once healthy economy was no more. The town is now home to only 80 residents and several abandoned buildings, including the school (pictured).
Allegedly haunted, LeHunt was a small town that thrived on the United Kansas Portland Cement Company. The old cement plant, which closed its doors after the Great Depression, is said to be haunted by one of the ghosts of a former employee who died in a tragic accident at the plant. The employee, known only as Bohr, fell into a vat of concrete and was never seen again. After the accident, his co-workers encapsulated his wheelbarrow, pick, and shovel into a wall of concrete that can still be seen today.
Named for legendary St. Louis Browns catcher Albert J. "Doc" Bushong, the once thriving town of 150 residents was a prosperous economy with its two grocery stores, hardware store, post office, garage, bank, and high school. However, after a fire devastated the town, residents left and buildings were left to deteriorate. Today, Bushong is home to only 34 residents.
This Chase County town celebrated its heyday in the early 20th century with several homes, churches, businesses, and schools. After major flooding in the early 1950s, several residents packed up and moved, leaving the town in decline and despair. Today, a mere 50 residents and one business, "Bummies" grocery store, call Elmdale home.
Have you visited any of these Kansas ghost towns?
