There are over three dozen known ghost towns in the state of Washington, although quite a few of them have little more remaining than empty land and distant memories. Govan is no exception, really: an old schoolhouse, a post office, and a couple of houses are all that’s left of this once-thriving ranching community. However, this hidden Washington ghost town has a truly horrifying past — one that includes a brutal axe murder.

Govan is located in Lincoln County, about 25 miles east of Coulee City.
Andrew Filer / Flickr
To reach it, just head east on Highway US-2 from Wilbur for 6.6 miles. Take a left on Bodeau Road, then veer left at the intersection. That's where the town of Govan once stood.
These days, there's not much left of Govan. It is not a tourist attraction by any means.
Richard Bauer / Flickr
Like many of Central Washington's ghost towns, the population died off as agriculture became more mechanized and the car took over from the railroads as the primary method of transportation.
Govan was initially established as a railway station on the Central Washington Railway in 1889.
Lunar Magpie / Wikipedia
The following year, a large sandbank in the area was discovered, causing the town to boom. The sand was used for construction of the railroad as it was extended through Govan and west to Almira.
By 1898, Govan was thriving, with a population of about 76 and several local businesses and amenities. They were even granted a post office charter.
Lunar Magpie / Wikipedia
But it wasn't long before tragedy struck.
In 1902, Judge J.A. Lewis and his wife Penelope were brutally murdered with an axe. At the time, it was reported as the "most brutal crime ever committed in the county."
GPA Photo Archive / Flickr
Less than a year later, C.S. Thennes was killed by a masked gunman at the Govan Saloon. None of these murders were ever solved, and no motive was discovered, although Judge J.A. Lewis was rumored to have kept large amounts of cash at home, prompting a potential robbery.
In 1927, a fire wiped out most of Govan's business district.
raschau / Wikipedia
While the town was rebuilt, it was never the same. And in 1933, when the community was bypassed by US Route 2, it faced its demise.

Did you know the story of this hidden Washington ghost town? Have you visited any of the Evergreen State’s ghost towns before? There are some very creepy places here!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore Washington

Featured Addresses
Govan, WA 99185, USA