Welcome to Rust, Rot, & Ruin: Stories of Oregon Ghost Towns — an exhibit that combines descriptions, accounts, photographs, and artifacts to explore these fascinating places. The exhibit examines why and how towns grew and what forces contributed to their decline. It also takes a closer look at selected ghost towns that ​illustrate larger trends.

About Ghost Towns — Get context about what makes a ghost town

Mining  — Look at why mining created so many ghost towns

Logging — Explore the history of company towns and steam donkeys

Agriculture — Learn about farming, ranching, and range wars

Transportation — Examine how connections could make or break a town

Coastal — Check out the roles of tourism and the military

Other Selected Ghost Towns — Tour other Oregon ghost towns

Learn More — Discover related resources and see who created this exhibit

Use the > link at the bottom of each page to move through the exhibit in sequence. Or, use the sidebar to find tables of contents for each section.

Next: About Ghost Towns >