Gays
State: Illinois
County: Moultrie County
Founded: 1873
Peak Population: 350
Gays is a near-ghost-town famous for one thing: the only two-story outhouse in America still standing. Built because the general store and the apartments above it needed separate facilities. The town peaked at 350; now about 235 remain.
Quick Facts
- Only two-story outhouse in America still standing
- Built for store customers and apartment residents
- No, the plumbing doesn't work that way—offset design
- Town named for founding I.P. Gays family
Location
Address: Moultrie County, Illinois
Coordinates: 39.4906, -88.5494