Barstow
The Garden City that Died
State: Texas
County: Ward County
Founded: 1890s
Abandoned: Semi-ghost
Peak Population: 1,000+
Barstow flourished using irrigation from the Pecos River, growing grapes and melons. In 1904, a dam broke, salinating the soil and ruining the farms. A drought in the 1950s finished it off. Many red sandstone buildings stand abandoned.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 30 mins
Quick Facts
- Famed for 'Barstow Red' sandstone
- Killed by salt water
- George E. Barstow involved
Location
Address: Business I-20, Barstow, TX
Coordinates: 31.4589, -103.3931