Ghost Towns in Georgia
12 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Georgia.
All Ghost Towns
Andersonville
Andersonville (Camp Sumter) was a Confederate POW camp where 45,000 Union soldiers were held. Nearly 13,000 died from disease, exposure, and starvatio...
Auraria
Auraria (Latin for 'Gold Mine') was the epicenter of the Georgia Gold Rush in 1832. It was eventually eclipsed by nearby Dahlonega when the county sea...
Catfish
Catfish was a steamboat landing on the Savannah River—one of many Georgia river towns that died when railroads bypassed them. When steam gave way to r...
Darien
Darien was founded by Scottish Highlanders in 1736. It became a major timber port. In 1863, the 54th Massachusetts (Black regiment from the movie 'Glo...
Ebenezer
Ebenezer was founded by Salzburger Protestants expelled from Austria. It was Georgia's first Protestant settlement. The Jerusalem Lutheran Church (176...
New Ebenezer
New Ebenezer was founded by Salzburg Lutherans fleeing religious persecution—they built the oldest Lutheran church in America. The Georgia colony pros...
New Echota
New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation and site of the first Cherokee newspaper (The Cherokee Phoenix). The forced removal order (Trail of ...
New Manchester
New Manchester was a manufacturing town centered on the Sweetwater Manufacturing Company. In 1864, Union troops burned the mill and deported the femal...
Scull Shoals Experimental Forest
Scull Shoals was an early center of Georgia industry. It had the state's first paper mill and one of its first cotton factories. The town thrived unti...
Scull Shoals
Scull Shoals was home to Georgia's first paper mill (1811) and first cotton factory (1812). The town thrived until the Civil War and soil exhaustion k...
St. Marys
St. Marys claims to be America's second-oldest city (after St. Augustine). It was a major cotton port. Today, it's the gateway to Cumberland Island Na...
Sunbury
Sunbury was once a deepwater port rivaling Savannah. It declined due to malaria and the rise of Savannah. The final blow came during the Civil War whe...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Georgia?
We have documented 12 ghost towns in Georgia. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Georgia safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Georgia?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.