(Hillsboro NM)
In my travels, I have passed through several ghost towns. Most of which were built around mining; they flourished, and then died away when the mines played out. However, many of these tiny towns still exist although in a lesser role.
Stone building being re-purposed in ghost town of Hillsboro
For instance, Hillsboro is a small town nestled in the foothills of the Black Range. They have a festival around Christmas time each year with local artists showing their crafts. The next town down the road, Kingston is similar and also considered a ghost town.
(Lake Valley NM)
These places no longer have the booming businesses, and their populations are much reduced. But, they seem to be just small, rural hamlets; much like what I remember when I was very young.
Abandoned remains of Lake Valley
Lake Valley had a major silver mine. But, floods, a fire that destroyed main street, an epidemic and the silver panic of 1893 doomed it. Now, only a few folks live in the hills nearby ranching and growing crops.
(Granite OR)
A gold find established Granite until it too ran out. Many of the towns buildings remain with some being bought and restored. Folks living there are hopeful it can become a destination. But, they have to compete with the more developed ghost town of Sumpter nearby.
Gold tailings along a creek near Granite
Granite is in the mountains, and there are a couple of popular lakes and camping areas that are reached via the passing road. With something to convince folks to stop, and the right promotion, it could become an interesting waypoint to visit.
(Shaniko OR)
The town of Shaniko is right next to a major highway, and they’ve done a pretty good job of restoring most of the buildings. It has shops, a café, a hotel, a jail, etc. with a plank sidewalk running through town. Far from any big city, it could also use something to make it an attraction.
Main street of Shaniko
I’ve always thought of ghost towns as being deserted places with perhaps a few structures remaining. But apparently, the town just needs to be a shadow of what it once was. Still, they are interesting enough for me to continue stopping and exploring when I pass by.
Sites: Various ghost towns
Scene: Buildings, mines, mountains
I’ve never been particularly attracted to ghost towns, but if I wanted to see one I would choose someplace like Bodie. Nothing there except old buildings and the ghosts. The ones that are fixed up to attract tourists are well kept and attractive, usually.
You are correct in that the tourist ghost towns are the best kept. However, there are many others that are in various states of condition. Some are being preserved, while others are just decaying away. And, still others are simply towns that have seen better days.