Ever wondered what treasures lie hidden in Texas’ silent ghost towns? Dive in, the adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Texas has a history of long stories on coal mining. People created small towns near the mining areas.
But later on, the towns became abandoned as these mines decreased working. This is why Texas has more ghost towns than any other state.
I have an interest in detecting ghost towns as most of my friend detectorists have found a lot of metal objects that are valuable.
So I wanted to know what are the best ghost towns in Texas, and I came up with quite interesting towns, thanks to the local expert metal detectorists.
Here’s the list of best ghost towns in Texas to metal detect,
- Lobo
- Indianola
- Terlingua
- Sherwood
- Glenrio
- Avenger Field
- Jakes colony
- Kohrville
- San Andres
- Kellyville
- Hackberry
That’s just a quick snapshot of the question!
These are some of the famous and so far the best metal detecting ghost towns in Texas.
But there are a few more certain things that you should know before metal detecting at these locations.
So if you are about to explore a ghost town as a Texan, I’m writing the rest for you.
Just keep reading!
Is Metal Detecting Legal in Texas Ghost Towns?
Well, this is a tricky question and quite complicated to give an exact answer. There are some general rules related to metal detecting in Texas.
Let’s look into them first.
For the purpose of protecting historic sites and relics, each state has its own set of rules for metal detecting and restrictions.
The Archeological Preservation Act(ARPA) is a federal law that regulates metal detection at federal properties.
According to this, metal detecting is permitted only on private or permitted lands with permission from the authorities or the owner.
The historical sites in Texas should never be touched for metal detecting. This means that metal detecting is prohibited on all historical public lands.
If private land is selected, the owner or the relevant authorities should permit the detector to explore the land. Detecting without permission is considered unlawful.
If any object is suspected as an artifact or older than 100 years, the officials should be notified in order to recover it properly.
And none of the objects that are found are allowed to be taken out of the place.
These are the major laws and regulations that you should keep in mind when metal-detecting ghost towns.
Best Ghost Towns In Texas To Metal Detect
As I mentioned before, Texas has many ghost towns which is approximately over 500. Many of these are now private properties.
So you will have to talk to the owner and get a written permit to detect this area.
There are many popular ghost towns among metal detectorists. And these will probably let you find something.
I’ve personally been to most of the ghost towns in Texas for different metal-detecting sessions and was able to find lots of cool treasures.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Texas!
Information about the ghost towns that I’ve never been to was collected by interviewing several local detectorists who are experts at treasure hunting.
Let’s discuss one by one to get a better idea of each of these places.
1. Lobo
Lobo is a small ghost town located in West Texas. The town was founded in the 1880s and it was once a thriving community.
The decline of the town began in the 1950s. Currently, it is a private property.
The location is closed to people other than the family and friends of the owner. So permission should be taken to detect this place.
Old machinery pieces, coins, and other metal-based objects are scattered and abandoned in this area.
So if you get permission, Lobo is a nice place to metal detect.
According to the latest information by TexasMonthly, Lobo ghost town was owned by Germans. They bought the town for $20,000 in 2001 and now they are ready to sell the town for $100,000.
Check out the best Places to Metal Detect in Texas!
2. Indianola
It’s a ghost town located on Matagorda Bay in Calhoun County, Texas. The city had a population of 5,000 in 1875.
But unfortunately, a hurricane struck, and the entire town was destroyed and 150-300 people died.
The storms didn’t stop from happening again and again until the town was abandoned. Most of the buildings and structures were eroded due to the storms and barely anything could be seen.
But the detectors have found a few coins as well as some other old equipment made from metals.
This is currently incorporated by a small fishing group and with their permission, you will be able to detect this place.
3. Terlingua
Terlingua used to be a mining district which is located in southwestern Brewster County, Texas.
Cinnabar, which is used to extract mercury, was discovered in this place in the mid-1880s.
This reason brought the miners to the area that created a city with over 2,000 people. As the cinnabar amount was going down, the town slowly began to move and eventually, it became a ghost town.
Currently, the town is occupied by a few families coming from the people who live there. Bill Ivey is known to be the present frontier of this town.
Some coins, mining equipment, and other metal-based objects like jewelry can be found here. But it takes a little time and patience to find anything.
With the permission of Bill, you can search this place.
4. Sherwood
Sherwood is a picturesque ghost town in Texas. This was a beautiful town in the 1870s.
Slowly from 1881, people began to settle down in this city along the Spring Creek banks.
In 1911, a railroad bypassed Sherwood and later it became the state highway. Since the beginning of the railroad, people began to move out of this town.
There are a few residents living in the place today and some remains like the courthouse and a few other buildings occupied by the residents are there.
The place is open up for metal detecting with the permission of the residents.
There are no certain records on what could be detected at this location. But it’s a nice place that you can still try out.
5. Glenrio
Glenrio was founded in 1901 as a railroad town. The wheat and cattle farmers settled at this town where a small community grew up.
As Route 66 paved through this town, it was a popular stopping point among people.
Motels, diners, and cafes stood at this place to serve the travelers. As the railroad depot closed in 1955, the town got stuck and dried up.
Currently, there’s only one full-time resident living there and a few derelict structures stand there with an active motel.
With the permission of authorities in the area, the place is open for detection.
6. Avenger Field
This was the largest all-female air base in American history 50 years ago.
It remained as a training base occupied by women soldiers until 1944. It was shut down after fulfilling the mission.
There are a few memorial plaques and statues in the area with the other remains.
Detectorists claimed that they had found a few badges and military tags belonging to the soldiers and they handed them over to the authorities.
7. Jakes Colony
This town is located on Elm Creek Road, which is 9 miles away from South Texas Highway 123.
The town was established by former slaves. There are small houses scattered along the road.
And remains of a building that is believed to have served as the hospital are still there.
There are a few farmers occupying the area currently a little far from this ghost town.
Anyone who is interested in metal detecting can go to them and ask for further details and assistance.
8. Kohrville
This is where the former slaves settled down after the Civil War.
The descendants of the town slowly moved into Houston and Cypress after the development.
A huge cemetery and the old schoolhouse still remain at the place. There are no exact owners or authorities to get permission.
You can try to metal detect the cemetery area if you find anyone who is responsible.
9. San Andres
The town was established in the early 1850s. The residents of the area established a church in this town in 1884.
The church building was destroyed by the flood in 1921. The cemetery still remains on the side of the town and no sign of any residents at all.
The town is located in southwestern Milam County. There is no certain owner of the property at the moment.
A few metal detectorists have detected this place and found some buckles, coin jars, and metal parts of doors and windows.
They were all handed to the museum and now open for public viewing.
10. Kellyville
Kellyville is located four miles west of Jefferson City on the Texas highway. This was once a major industrial town.
This town was initiated by Zacariah and John aiming to repair the freight wagons that came in and went out of Jefferson.
They opened up a repair shop. It gradually began to grow into an iron foundry.
In 1860, Kelly purchased the property and expanded the operations by adding more manufacturing.
Unfortunately, in 1880 a fire destroyed all the buildings and much of the equipment. Then Kelly moved the business to Longview. Then the town gradually disappeared.
Only a monument and two cemeteries of the town still remain.
With the permission of the authorities in Marion County, detectors can explore and metal detect this area.
11. Hackberry
Hackberry is located in Lavaca County. It was named after the nearby growing hackberry trees. It was initially settled by Neuhaus in 1847.
The area was first used for farming.
Eventually, the town began to develop as the post office was opened. A shop, mills, a church, and even a school were established.
There are farms and homes scattered throughout the area where a few families live.
There are remains of gothic-style two-story houses and the two-story store built by Neuhaus.
Iron-based metal parts from the buildings, coins, and equipment related to farming can be found here.
Permission should be obtained from the currently living inhabitants.
If you’re interested in learning more about metal detecting in ghost towns, better to join a metal detecting club in Texas.
Tips For Successful Metal Detecting In Texas Ghost Towns
These are a few steps I believe might be helpful for you to explore and detect ghost towns.
I’ve learned the below tips by visiting ghost towns in Texas for several metal detecting sessions which can be incredibly useful for new metal detectorists in Texas to start their metal-detecting carrier.
Research is a Must Before a Visit
Do proper research on the history of the ghost town. Find out what are the remains and what made the town established.
The old maps and the records of the town as well as descendants will be helpful in finding more information.
Get Permission
Get permission or permits from the people who currently own or look after the land. Explain to them what you are going to do and ask for permission.
Some of the ghost towns are not allowed for metal detecting. It is only for sightseeing.
So make sure you don’t do any unnecessary detecting performance at these locations.
Essential Supplies
Bring the essential supplies such as a good metal detector, map, first aid kit, compass, and plenty of water and food.
Also, bring a good set of headphones to listen to the faded signals. A small scoop is convenient and essential to dig out and see what is found.
I recommend bringing a pinpointer as it can tell you the exact location of the object and you don’t have to dig into several places and disturb the environment just to find a single object.
Most of these towns don’t have any shops or people.
So it is recommended to bring everything you need and come in a vehicle.
Safety Is Must
When you enter the ghost town, take a quick look at the ground and be cautious on every step.
Some dangerous debris, structures, or holes might be there as most of these towns were established based on industrial activity.
Search Systematically
Start from the areas that have records or feel like there has been a high traffic. Start from the center of the town and move towards the edges.
Also focus on the cemeteries, relics, and remains of old buildings as these locations were occupied by people a lot and probably have a lot of objects around.
Records
Take pictures and keep records of what you have found since you are not allowed to take home anything that you find.
If you suspect that you have found something that is more than 100 years old, send the pictures and inform the archeological department of the state with all the details.
Respect
Do not damage any historical objects as it is strictly prohibited and you might have to pay penalties.
And if you dug the holes, make sure that you restore them. It will help them to heal.
Leave the entire place as it was. Clean all the garbage around the area and make sure you are leaving it clean.
That’s it, folks! Even though Texas contains more than 500 ghost towns I’ve discussed the best ghost towns in Texas to metal detect which are so useful.
If you’re interested in beach treasure hunting, check out the Best Beaches in Texas to Metal Detect!
I’ve collected the above info by interviewing expert metal detectorists in Texas and from online forums.
Read to know the Best Metal Detecting Forums in Texas
Terlingua, once a thriving mercury mining town in Texas, now stands as a popular ghost town, hosting an annual chili cook-off attracting enthusiasts from all over the country
www.texasmonthly.com
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Is metal detecting legal in all ghost towns in Texas?
Not necessarily, the legality of metal detecting in Texas ghost towns depends on specific regulations and property ownership; acquiring permission from property owners or relevant authorities is a must.
What precautions should one take before metal detecting in Texas ghost towns?
Before heading out, make sure to conduct thorough research about the chosen location, obtain necessary permissions, and gather essential supplies including a reliable metal detector and safety gear.
Are there any tips for successful metal detecting in these areas?
Yes, ensure to detect systematically starting from high traffic areas, respect the location by not damaging historical objects, and maintain cleanliness by picking up garbage.
What should be done if an artifact older than 100 years is found?
If you suspect an artifact is more than 100 years old, you should notify the state archeological department with detailed information and pictures.
Can you keep the objects you find while metal detecting in these ghost towns?
No, removing objects found during metal detecting from the site is prohibited; you are required to report your finds to relevant authorities.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about the Best Ghost Towns to Metal Detect in Texas?
In this article I’ve deeply explored the best ghost towns in Texas to metal detect with their specific locations, and how to get permission with all the tips and techniques.
The best ghost towns in Texas to metal detect are Terlingua, Lobo, and Sherwood, known for their rich histories and potential treasure troves of relics from the past. Always remember to secure necessary permissions and adhere to local regulations before you start your metal detecting adventure.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions as well.
Hope you’ve learned everything you wanted to know about the best ghost towns in Texas to metal detect with experts’ techniques.
Read to know the Best State Parks in Texas to Metal Detect!
Even though you’re a Texan or from outside of Texas, this article is incredibly helpful for you to treasure hunt in this wonderful state, Texas.
Now it’s time to take your metal detector and land on ghost towns in Texas as a hero and accelerate your treasure-hunting journey! All the best!
