Unlike other towns that grew through mining activities, the America ghost town located in McCurtain County, Oklahoma came to rise due to cotton farming and plumbing. The only common thing that America ghost towns have with other mining towns is that they all were abandoned by their residents. Some of these abandoned towns serve as historic districts but America currently is lying with its derelict in despair. 

What is the history of America ghost towns?

The town of America existed before but only with a few residents like William Spencer. Though during this period it was not a town yet a small community called it home. In 1907, William Spencer together with his 3 brother’s pulled-up finances and started a sawmill in the region. He further built houses to host his sawmill workers. Within no time the town attracted more people and within 3 years, the population had increased to 200. Spencer, who refused to sit and let all the resources that the region offered further, built a cotton gin and a general store. A train, post office, and banks followed afterward. William used the train to ship cotton to Arkansas and other states.

Rejected to decay

By 1920, most of the plumbing activities had stopped and the sawmill closed. The only still surviving economic activity was cotton ginning by this time. A decline later occurred in the production of cotton which led to some residents relocating to other neighboring towns. The economic depression in the late 1920s further caused a financial panic in the cotton farming in the area. This led to the closure of the cotton gin in 1933. The rail stations and post office followed shortly after the gin closed, rendering the town partially a ghost town. By 1950, America was completely deserted and left to rot under the sun.

What remains of America Town?

America town is a complete ghost town. The ruins of its log structures are still visible though in a dilapidated state. The townsite is completely covered by forest with pines spilling from the Ouachita National Forest. Some sections of the town are recognized as part of the Ouachita National Forest. Railroads and few countable houses are the remnants of the once boisterous town. America town is currently surrounded by thick dense forest and a dumpsite on the left. Though not recognized by the government as a historic district, one can still visit the townsite and take a glimpse back in history. The area provides good camping sites for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. Dangerous animals lurk around the woods that would be detrimental if the general public encountered one. The dirt roads which have been dominated by grass and trees make it partially accessible. For one to access the town, you are advised to have a company and a four-wheel drive if you want to access the town by vehicle.