Fayette City
Lost in the Thumb
State: Michigan
County: Tuscola County
Founded: 1870s
Abandoned: 1920s
Peak Population: 300
Fayette City was one of many logging towns in Michigan's Thumb region. When the timber was gone, so was the town. Today, only scattered foundations remain in second-growth forest.
Logging Era
The Thumb was heavily forested in the 1800s. Towns like Fayette City sprouted to harvest and process the timber.
Forest Returns
After logging, the land was briefly farmed, then abandoned. Forest grew back, hiding the ruins.
Timeline
- 1870s - Founded Logging began
- 1881 - Fire Great Thumb Fire devastated region
- 1920s - Abandoned Last residents left
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer
Difficulty: Moderate - finding the site
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- Great Thumb Fire of 1881 affected the area
- Second-growth forest covers ruins
- Typical of Michigan Thumb ghost towns
Location
Address: Near Deford, Michigan
Coordinates: 43.65, -83.5167