In addition to its magnificent scenery and extensive past, Wyoming is home to a number of abandoned locations that seem to be whispering ghost stories.
Once teeming with activity, these abandoned locations now serve as silent guardians against the inexorable advance of time. These five deserted wonders of Wyoming provide a window into the state’s fascinating and even spooky past.
Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum
Your senses will be stimulated by a visit to the Wyoming Frontier Prison Museum in Rawlins. This prison was once a jail, but it is no longer in operation.
Indeed, it’s regarded as one of Wyoming’s most eerie locations. The most violent and criminal offenders in the state were held there.
It had little to no heating and neither running water nor power. The site is made even more fascinating by the somber history that is preserved in the cells. It moved to a new location in 1981.
You won’t want to miss the dark past of this ancient jail, lovingly known as the “Old Pen.”
Transcontinental Airway System Arrow
The Transcontinental Airway System (TCAS) was developed in the middle of the 19th century, before radio communications and radars were widely used, to direct aircraft during nighttime flights.
Concrete arrow platforms and beacons were used in the construction of the Transcontinental Airway System, which covered the whole nation from east to west.
The purpose of the beacons remains the same, regardless of their state. They aided pioneering pilots in navigating at night. This region is currently accessible to the general public and is easily visited.
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Smith Mansion
You have most likely come upon the Smith Mansion if you have ever been curious about Wyoming’s past. Louis Smith, a wealthy businessman, constructed a mansion on a stunning plot of property a century ago.
The plantation was abandoned because it was situated on a Red River bend.
Eight miles northwest of Natchitoches, on an oxbow bend of the Red River, is this abandoned house. Constructed in the design of an elevated Creole cottage, it has lain vacant since the late 1970s. The back expansion was just smashed by a huge tree, revealing the inside.
Smith Mansion is still open for visits today, but you won’t be able to take a closer look until the new owners make their plans.
The abandoned structure is a superb illustration of the city’s dilapidated past. Even after years of abandonment and disuse, the remnants of the building continue to frighten the people living in the city.
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T.A. Moulton Barn
For good cause, the T.A. Moulton Barn is among the most photographed structures in the United States. Thomas Alma and his sons built it in 1910.
The T.A. Moulton Barn has an interesting history despite being abandoned for almost 40 years. It remains the sole grange constructed by the Moulton family in the early 1900s that has survived.
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, one of the most well-known buildings is the T.A. Moulton Barn. This landmark structure can be seen in many images taken in the valley. The structure is no longer occupied, yet its legacy endures.
Many visitors come from all over the country to take pictures of what has been called “the most photographed barn in the country.” The barn’s appearance now has a distinct character due to the ongoing modifications.
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Bosler Ghost Town
You might want to stop by Bosler Ghost Town if you’re looking to explore deserted locations in Wyoming. In addition to being a charming historical location, the Bosler Ghost Town is an intriguing travel attraction on its own.
This town was abandoned in the early 20th century after the local railroad stopped serving industrial purposes. It is situated along the Laramie River at the intersection of US Routes 287 and 30.
The town itself used to be a thriving neighborhood. Frank Bosler, the proprietor of the adjacent Diamond Ranch, is the source of the town’s name.
Most of the remaining buildings had been abandoned by the 1970s. While most of the buildings are empty, several of them are still standing.
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To Conclude
The deserted areas of Wyoming provide a window into the state’s rich past, both tragic and glorious. These ruins of the past, which range from the eerie prison to the graceful mansion taken over by vegetation, act as a constant reminder of the times gone by and the ever-evolving course of existence.
So, a visit to these abandoned wonders is guaranteed to make an impression, whether one is looking for a singular experience or just a way to appreciate Wyoming’s rich history.
